Reviews

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling

tabindatouseef's review against another edition

2.0

I wish I read this when I was 5 but alas I am 25 and unimpressed.

apochemu's review against another edition

3.0

He's a great writer and most of the stories were fun and whimsical. It definitely dragged out though with the last several stories. The illustrations in this edition were a nice added touch.

littleroseygirl's review against another edition

4.0

Cute, funny stories that are perfect for bedtime.

24marsha's review against another edition

5.0

I didn't read them all but the "pourqouis" stories are really fun. Stories about animals that explain why certain things are the way they are. Loved the Elephant Child.

thewallflower00's review against another edition

2.0

I think I got this because I was going to read The Jungle Book (which is still on my list) in preparation for The Graveyard Book. This is a collection of stories about racial stereotypes. It's always funny to read old stories and how blatantly racist they are. I know racism is wrong, but it's basically unavoidable. And these stories come from a time when there weren't any political activists or special interest groups that dedicate themselves to what words you can or can't use, instead of useful things like the economy.

Anyway, back on track here. The problem with this book is I've heard all these stories before, so I was able to zip through it. The ones I haven't heard, well, now I know why. Especially the one which is basically about a father and daughter inventing the alphabet. I could have lived without reading this, but it's still nice to have it as a notch on the bookshelf. Sometimes I wonder why I read these old books.

ozblom24's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

jaminnj's review against another edition

3.0

I have read this through several times and each time I enjoy it more. The first time I read it out loud to my children I definitely didn't enjoy reading it to them in a way that made it enjoyable to them. But over the years, my reading of it has become more familiar and their enjoyment of it has become deeper. So, read this one through a bit before you read it out loud.. enjoy the production that Rudyard Kipling has directed with words on a page.. the exagerations, the funny moments and trust his "flow" of words, poems, songs, explanations and clear enjoyment of telling this tales. Be amused while stretching to believe it could be true... and present this to your children with all the serious theatrics you can muster, my Best Beloved.

hollyberry_reads's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racial slurs

kittykate7's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Loved these stories as a child and still do for the nostalgia value. Somewhat problematic for a modern audience though. 

daniellecaskinett's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.25