This collection of 12 stories reveals Kipling’s imagined answers to the great mysteries in the animal world. He draws on the beast fables he heard as a child in India, as well as on folk games with language. Originally published in 1902.
India
Materials from India
The Butter Thief
While enduring his punishment for playing with the butter, little Krishna performs a miraculous feat.
Nine Animals and the Well
A fable about a group of animals that strives to bring the perfect present to the Indian raja-king’s birthday party, and discusses how the numerals we use originated in India.
Birbal To The Rescue (Vol. 618)
This is one of the many tales of 14th-century Great Mughal Emperor Akbar and his witty courtier Birbal, which have been passed on from generation to generation, enthralling young and old listeners alike.