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Description
Grade 4-8?The law of the jungle?intense competition for one's
niche?seems to apply to The Jungle Book, judging from the numerous
editions jostling on the bookseller's shelf. The centenary of
publication is the justification given for this avatar: but fortunately,
it needs no excuse. All the Mowgli stories, and the perennial
"Rikki-tikki-tavi," appear to glorious advantage in a handsome format. A
manageable size, creamy paper, a clear typeface, and generous margins
are as inviting as the 17 masterly full-page watercolors. They are
beautifully composed, balanced but not static, freely handled but
without any loss of clarity. Mowgli and the animals are characterized
rather than idealized. Color and texture are subtle but lush. These
contrasts perfectly complement the tension between order and "the
jungle" evoked in Kipling's text. If survival of the fittest indeed
applies to publishing, this edition should have a long life.?Patricia
(Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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