These are unforgettable tales of friendship, bravery and jungle lore, and Rundell's writing is an intoxicating mix of precision and wildness... and the lush drama and colour of [Williams'] work makes this an exceptional gift book. -- Fiona Noble * Bookseller, Editor's Pick *
Following her Amazon-inspired Costa win Rundell transports us to the Indian jungle for a collection of origin stories for Kipling's best-loved Jungle Book characters, told with charm, with and personality. For children of seven plus, with lush, wild illustrations by Williams. -- Fiona Noble * Bookseller Children's Buyer Guide, Highlights of the Season *
These beginnings resonate with echoes of Kipling's original and Just So Stories. They are written with mischievous scatological jokes, lively action and characteristic precision and surprise, because, as Baloo says, language "matters more than anything else". The stories savour the profusion of the rainforest, as do Williams's spectacularly lavish collages of engravings of animals and plants. * Sunday Times, children's book of the week *
Far from defanging their source, Rundell's stories - interweaving Mother Wolf's belligerent past, Bagheera's early tragedy, and Baloo's gift for communication - only enrich its wildness, complemented by Kristjana Williams's lush full-colour illustrations. * Guardian *
The magnificent Rundell, [...] takes on Rudyard Kipling with these inventive back stories for everyone from Shere Khan to Baloo. * Independent *
An oversize, richly illustrated, heirloom-quality book of origin stories... [Rundell's] lyrical words feel as though they were written to be read aloud in front of a fire... it's impossible not to imagine a room full of younger kids transfixed by the hypnotic action. Williams' richly drawn jungle scapes are equal parts gorgeous and haunting, an irresistible combination. * The New York Times *
Rundell may have created a new classic collection of tales. * Daily Post Wales, Liverpool Echo, Morley Observer and Advertiser, Birmingham Mail, Grimsby Telegraph, children's Book of the week *
Witty, charming and steeped in the harsh truth of nature, this is an absolute must for all Jungle Book fans, young or old. * Daily Mail *
Created a new set of tales for a new generation * Yorkshire Post *
An exciting addition to Kipling's The Jungle Book, with delightful new stories about Mowgli and his friends. It would work wonderfully for reading aloud on Boxing Day. * Good Housekeeping *
You'll be transported deep into the Indian jungle for adventures with favourites characters like Baloo and Shere Khan * WRD Magazine *
Kids will love the colour illustrations - and they'll squiggle and squirm, as Roald Dahl said they would. * SAGA magazine *
This engaging tapestry of tales is enhanced by stylish illustrations, rich with colour and detail, which beautifully bring the jungle and its inhabitants to life. * Booktrust *
Rundell may well have created a new classic * Sunday Post *
