Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
by Rudyard Kipling, Jerry Pinkney
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jerry Pinkney, Rudyard KiplingIllustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2004-05-01
ISBN: 0060587857
Number of pages: 48
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: HarperCollins
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780060587857
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
Book Reviews of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
Book Review: An Excellent Stepping-Stone to the Original Story
Summary: 4 Stars
There are two schools of thought regarding illustrated adaptations of literary classics. One school holds that stories that are simplified for early listeners can be ruined in the process, because the listener's first experience doesn't contain the beauty and depth of the original. The second school holds that well-written adaptations can serve as stepping-stones to original works, making them more accessible. I am still between the two camps, but in making decisions about specific classic titles I ask two questions:
1. Is the story content appropriate for a reading level that can't yet master the language in the original? If not, it's probably better to wait until a child is linguistically and emotionally ready for the original.
2. Is the quality of the adaptation high enough that it entices, rather than discourages, readers to explore further? If it can't stand on its own merit but only piggybacks on the original's popularity, it may cause the reader to associate the original with mediocrity.
The answer to question 1 will be different for different families and readers. I would say that Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a young Indian mongoose who is adopted by a British family and drives the venomous snakes out of their home and garden, may appeal more to boys than girls, and parents of sensitive children should certainly screen this book since it contains dramatic animal violence, multiple attempted murders by talking snakes (in one of these a child is threatened), and Rikki-Tikki's merciless execution of many cobras in their eggs. But this story is a classic for good reason: Rikki-Tikki exemplifies courage, loyalty, defending the helpless, and a relentless commitment to oppose the evil snakes regardless of the cost. Every child will want a pet mongoose after experiencing this story.
As for question 2, Pinkney's adaptation uses modern language, retaining almost none of Kipling's masterful language, but telling the story very well. What really makes this book are his lavish, exuberant watercolor paintings which draw the reader in and dramatize the story in a very vivid way.
I recommend this story for children who are able to tolerate suspense and conflict, who have no reptile phobias, and who are transitioning out of the picture-book stage but are not yet ready for Kipling's sometimes challenging language. Although this book could stand on its own as a part of a home library, I recommend that it ought to be followed very closely by a version with the original language. Once the story is understood, this method will provide a great opportunity for vocabulary expansion and an appreciation of more elevated prose.
Summary of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
"Rikk-tikk-tikki-tikki-tchk!"A classic story from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, adapted and illustrated by award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney, this is the tale of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a fearless young mongoose.
Soon after a flood washes Rikki into the garden of an English family, he comes face-to-face with Nag and Nagaina, two giant cobras. The snakes are willing to attack Rikki, and even the human family who lives there, to claim the garden and house for themselves. But they do not count on the heart and pride of the brave little mongoose.
General Books
- Children's Books > Ages 4-8
- Ages 9-12 > General
- Animals > Mammals > Fiction
- Fiction
- General
- Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( K ) > Kipling, Rudyard
- ( P ) > Pinkney, Jerry
- Literature > Classics by Age > General
- Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > General
- People & Places > Family Life > General
- Literature & Fiction > Authors, A-Z > ( K ) > Kipling, Rudyard
- World Literature > British > Classics > Kipling, Rudyard
- Mythology > Children's Books > General
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