The Jungle Book was another book on the list for a Disney origin story book club on Instagram and this was my first time reading it. My only previous exposure to this Kipling classic is through the various adaptations; therefore, the book was not exactly what I expected.

First, I was surprised to find that The Jungle Book is not one story, but rather an anthology comprised of seven short stories and seven songs, with the first three stories and songs making up Mowgli’s story and the next four being completely unrelated to Mowgli. And second, I was surprised that there seems to be less action in the book, than in the movies. But another surprise, and quite a pleasant one at that, was Kipling’s beautiful lyrical writing style. He begins each story with a lovely little verse, and goes on to describe each scene in vivid detail and with great imagination.

If you’ve put off reading this book because you, like me, thought it was just the Disney movie in book form (I know, I know…), let me encourage you to pick it up immediately. It’s nothing like you are expecting it to be!