Above picture of Rudyard Kipling’s writing desk at his Vermont home of Naulakha taken with special permission of The Landmark Trust USA. It was here that he wrote The Jungle Books, Captains Courageous, Kim and portions of Just So Stories.
Naulakha is available to stay at as an overnight vacation rental. Please see www.landmarktrustusa.org for more information.
The illustrators
It is October of 1893, and the young subscribers of St. Nicholas magazine have no idea that in their next issue will be one of the first of several famous stories that will become, what we know of today, as Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
Rikki-tikki-tavi was the first to appear in the November, 1893 issue of this highly popular magazine series edited by Mary Mapes Dodge (who wrote Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates), followed by Toomai of the Elephants in December that year.
January, 1894, saw the dawn of the first of the “Mowgli” stories: Mowgli’s Brothers, as Kipling, from his beautiful home of Naulakha in snow-laden Vermont, brought Mowgli, Shere Khan, Bagheera, Baloo, Kaa and Akela to life!
The first illustrator to shape these characters was W.H. (William Henry) Drake. It was he who first depicted the tiger’s head in the wolf’s den as the defiant wolves held their ground, he who first depicted the jovial bear and the sleek panther, he who provided the famous image of Toomai curled and supported in the trunk of his loyal elephant, Kala Nag (often mistaken as a “Mowgli” image thanks to Disney), and he who first wound the brave yet playful, Rikki-tikki-tavi around Teddy’s shoulders.
A pack of illustrators have joined the fray since those early days, and I am happy to present some of my favorites to you…
*Earliest Version
John Lockwood Kipling, W.H. Drake and P. Frenzeny
After some of the stories were published in the St. Nicholas children’s magazine, The Jungle Book became just that later in 1894, published by Macmillan & Co. Ltd, and in book format Kipling’s tales retained the W.H. Drake illustration from the magazine publications, and was also joined by Paul Frenzeny and another, very special illustrator: Rudyard Kipling’s father, John Lockwood Kipling.
I must say I am rather impressed! A modern child could happily enjoy this version, containing Drake’s rather famous profile of “Shere Khan”. I had not expected so many drawings!
The first Jungle Book has more artwork coverage than the second, which contains John Lockwood Kipling’s illustrations alone.
Pictured here: Macmillan & Co., 1922
There are two modern publishers of books with original/historical illustration that I really trust when it comes to keeping true to originality and authenticity. Here are links to each:
SeaWolf Press, 2020:
∞ Amazon
Pook Press, 2016:
∞ Amazon
*Golden Age (1908)
Maurice and Edward Detmold
Charles Maurice and Edward Detmold were twin brothers whose artwork really became known with the illustrations they produced for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
Sixteen color plates and a frontispiece decorate the tales giving the work a rich sense of moodiness that feels as if the past and present were all rolled into one.
Sadly, the same year that their illustrations were published in book format (1908), Charles Maurice ended his life, making The Jungle Book the final completed project they would work on as a brother team. Edward went on to produce many beautiful works, including his famous Tales from the Arabian Nights.
Pictured Here: The Folio Society, 2021
Other:
∞ Abebooks
*Both Jungle Books Combined
Stuart Tresilian
also with illustrations by John Lockwood Kipling.
Widely known for his illustrations of Enid Blyton’s Adventure series, Stuart Tresilian was commissioned to illustrate two different volumes of Kipling’s Jungle Book stories, which were reorganized into two volumes titled Animal Stories (1932) and All the Mowgli Stories (1933).
Animal Stories also featured some tales from Just So Stories, and in this newly published version pictured here, The Cat that Walked by Himself, is included.
A WWI POW, wounded and captured in 1918 and later released that same year, Tresilian spent time sketching animals at the London Zoo to prepare these magnificent and now classic Jungle Book illustrations.
This version is beautiful, with Tresilian’s line drawings remastered in jungle green, some of his B&W illustrations revitalized in color by illustrator Piers Sanford (Chalet School books), and gorgeous title pages and shiny green page edges. It also contains a plethora of information on Rudyard Kipling, the history of The Jungle Books and Macmillan Publishers. And as if this wasn’t enough, it contains Kipling’s famous poem If-.
Macmillan Publishing Group, 2018
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Fritz Eichenberg
Fritz Eichenberg was a German born Jew who, at the rise of Adolf Hitler, emigrated to New York with his family. A talented wood engraver, the books he illustrated are numerous.
Sometimes during these explores I find that an older version tends to become my favorite, and I feel that way about this one! The illustrations are adorable, daring and prolific! I think this would be one of the easiest books to use if reading to younger kids, due to the amount of illustrations.
Pictured here (there are a few options) is by Grosset & Dunlap (Illustrated Junior Library Series), 1950
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Kurt Wiese
German illustrator, Kurt Wiese, is an illustrator who’s work I come across a lot in these illustrator explores – and most recently in his Freddy the Pig series (of which the first book, Freddy Goes to Florida, we just finished and absolutely loved!).
Each new chapter (or tale) has an illustrated heading as well as two or three full page illustrations in black and white. One color plate is placed as frontispiece.
I find his illustrations haunting in an odd, child-friendly way – I especially love the wolf den scene with the intrusion of Shere Khan’s head.
Pronunciation table found at back of book – apparently “Mowgli” is pronounced with the “Mow” rhyming with “cow”! Oh dear, we’ve all got it wrong!
Pictured: Doubleday & Company, 1955
Below link is to the Everyman’s Library,1994 edition.
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Both Jungle Books Combined, with all Mowgli Tales Grouped at beginning
David Gentleman
English illustrator David Gentleman, uses watercolor, lithography and wood engraving to create pieces that are both energetic yet static, as if frozen in time.
I am so impressed with books by Heritage Press, and this version of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Books’ is another handsome, clothbound masterpiece.
The Heritage Press, 1968
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
*Annotated
Christian Broutin
The Jungle Book is more than a collection of stories, it is a snapshot of a moment in time, encompassing the culture and geography of India as well as the Arctic North.
Christian Broutin’s striking illustrations accompany several maps, photographs, diagrams and paintings from the relevant historical time period in this annotated version with unabridged text. It is informative and aesthetically pleasing, as Broutin’s illustrations, in both color and black and white, are atmospheric and lavish.
Viking, 1996
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
Robert Ingpen
Robert Ingpen is an Australian illustrator whose gorgeous artwork can be found in a prolific series of unabridged and abridged classics.
His artistic interpretation suggests a respect for the author’s written word and I have also noticed that, in relevant cases, “nods” towards original illustrations and illustrators too!
Every book comes in hardback and features illustration on almost every page, making it easy to read to the little ones! Each book also begins with a section about the author, including a portrait.
To date, I have covered his works in five of my illustrated classics explores – check them out: Just So Stories, Pinocchio , The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan
To learn more about this illustrator, visit his website at: Robert Ingpen
Sterling Children’s Books, 2006
Find It:
Also! Check out his newly published stand-alone version of Rikki-tikki-tavi, as well as his Mowgli’s Tales!
Minalima
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima started working together in 2001 to create the graphic universe we experience in the Harry Potter™ movies. In 2009, they formed their own design studio: MinaLima™.
In 2015, they began creating inventive designs for well-known Children’s Classics, beginning with J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. The Jungle Book was the second book they published in this series, and it’s just wonderful! A treat for the eyes, with interactive elements that keep younger readers mesmerized. My son loves these books!
HarperDesign Publishers, 2016
Find It:
*Both Jungle Books Combined
Angel Dominguez
Look closely at the glint in Shere Khan’s eye and you will see a familiar figure. This image, one of many that reflect the heart and soul of Kipling’s tales, was the pivotal illustration that drew me to the works of Spanish illustrator, Angel Dominguez.
Known for his anthropomorphic animals and his detailed watercolor, Dominguez was self-taught and took much of his inspiration from Golden Age illustrators Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and William Heath Robinson.
From endpapers to page adornments, this version is prolifically illustrated with four to eight full-page, half-page or spot illustration throughout each chapter, with some in color and some in B&W.
To date, I’ve covered two of his illustrated classics in my explores: A Christmas Carol and Beauty and the Beast. He is also one of my favorite illustrators.
Racehorse for Young Readers editions, 2016
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
*Both Jungle Books Combined - special paperback!
Ian Beck
Famous for his cover illustration on Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, Ian Beck’s chapter heading adornments throughout this lovely paperback are not only eye-catching, but also have a bit of the mystery about them. Look closely and see what you find.
What I also think is great about this paperback that includes both Jungle Books, (a rarity among illustrated hardbacks let alone paperbacks), is that it also includes the VERY first Mowgli tale that Kipling ever wrote: In the Rukh.
Alma Classics, 2016
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Rafael Mayani
Rafael Mayani is a Vancouver-based artist from Mexico who splits his time between freelance illustration and working as Associate Creative Director for an animation studio called Giant Ant.
His illustrations are bright, modern and prolific with rarely a spread that does not contain some decoration. Another gorgeously illustrated classic in the Usborne Illustrated Originals series, this is another of my favorites if reading to young children.
I love that at the end of the book, a few pages have been dedicated to the life and works of Rudyard Kipling, which is very informative and interesting.
Usborne Illustrated Originals, 2019
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Mowgli Stories Only
The following titles are only adapted in the sense that they have extracted the stories involving Mowgli from the first and in some cases the second Jungle Books, removing all other stories included in The Jungle Books. Any exceptions are noted! Enjoy!
The Jungle Book illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Eighteen lush watercolors adorn these Mowgli stories, and they have also included Rikki-tikki-tavi! Unique amongst its’ “Mowgli-Stories-Only” peers, it also has the distinction of being illustrated by multiple Caldecott Honor medalist, Jerry Pinkney.
What really draws me to this version is the touch of realism about his illustrations. I feel as if I am right there, in the wolf den.
Published in 1995 by Books of Wonder William Morrow & Co. New York
Where to Find:
*Includes Rikki-tikki-tavi
The Jungle Book Illustrated by Ian Andrews
Open it up, and you will find yourself in the midst of Ian Andrews’ gentle artwork full of remarkable colors and patterns that leave the reader with a feeling of nostalgia. Twenty color plates adorn all the Mowgli stories from both Jungle Books.
Published in 2010 by Pippbrook Books
Where to Find:
∞ Abebooks
*All Mowgli stories from the first and second Jungle Books only
The Jungle Book illustrated by Inga Moore
Hands down the cutest version of baby Mowgli ever to be illustrated, Inga Moore adorns the three Mowgli tales from the first Jungle Book, with a minor editorial cut in the tale of Kaa’s Hunting.
Full page and full-page spreads abound, and every other turn of the page is illustrated, making this a great version to read to kids, if you are interested in the Mowgli tales only. Moore’s illustrations are soft and natural, striking that fine line between reality and fantasy.
If you would like to see more of Inga Moore’s classics, click here.
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1992
Where to Find:
*Includes Mowgli Tales from First Jungle Book Only
The Jungle Book Illustrated by Nicola Bayley
Adapted Versions/Manga
The Jungle Book illustrated by Eric Kincaid
This gorgeously illustrated version is barely adapted. So barely in fact, that if it were not for the absence of some of Kipling’s poetry and Her Majesty’s Servants, I would have listed this with the unabridged versions above. The text is extremely similar to the original.
Eric Kincaid’s illustrations are everywhere, there is no page without one, and they hold a presence and appeal to younger kids. The first time I read The Jungle Book to my son, this was the version we went with. Highly recommend!
Published by Brimax Books, 1991
(My version pictured here with red cover is actually a collection of Eric Kincaid’s works, published by Brimax in 2001)
Find It:
∞ Abebooks
*Contains all stories from the first Jungle Book except Her Majestys Servants and some of the poetry, including Parade-Song of the Camp-Animals.
The Jungle Book illustrated by Don Daily
Don Daily’s illustrations are detailed and delightful and I first fell in love with his style after seeing his adapted version of The Wind in the Willows. This book is beautifully written, covering only the Mowgli stories from both the First and Second Jungle Books. Two of the books from the Second Jungle Book that involve Kaa (The King’s Ankus and Red Dog) are omitted.
Appleseed Press Book Publisher, 2014
(Originally 1994)
Adapted by Elizabeth Encarnacion
Find It:
The Jungle Book illustrated by Jos A. Smith
Whenever I come across a work written by Robin McKinley, an author who really set the stage for all modern fairytale adaptations with her retelling of Beauty and the Beast called Beauty, I sit up straight and pay attention. I love her writing, and her adaptation of the first three “Mowgli Stories” are no exception.
Jos. A. Smith’s illustrations have that lovely, vintage feel to them that remind me of childhood, complete with a baby Mowgli resembling baby Superman looking at his new parents from the crash site. I love the little relationship details, like how Mowgli casually holds the foot claws of Baloo as he rests in Baloos lap, and it has my favorite illustration of “Monkey City” ever!
*Mowgli stories from first The Jungle Book only
Published 1985 by Random House
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The Jungle Book retold by Laura Driscoll and Illustrated by Migy Blanco
I not only love the cheerful illustrations in this version, but also the writing! It thoughtfully narrates how Kaa is actually friend to Mowgli, (a fact that was a little muddled by the Disney film and that is delved into much deeper in The Second Jungle Book).
This adaptation ends with Mowgli setting off to the man village for the first time and makes an easy read for young kids without losing detail set by Kipling.
Illustrator Migy Blanco was an explorer himself, living in South America before returning to the UK to settle.
Published 2016 by Harper Collins Publishers
Where to Find:
The Jungle Book retold by Stephanie Clarkson and Illustrated by Annabel Tempest
I first came across these adapted classics in the BabyLit Storybook Series when exploring the illustrators of Little Women, and I love them so much!
Even though the series they belong to is titled “BabyLit” I actually find this series written so that it still appeals to kids of 6 and 7 years of age.
I also love how they keep detail from the original, like the individual lessons taught to Mowgli by Baloo, Bagheera and Kaa (like the version above, Kaa’s true role in the story is maintained).
Published 2017 by Gibbs Smith, Publisher (Babylit Storybooks)
Where to Find:
*Covers the first three Mowgli stories only
Manga Classics The Jungle Book - Art by Julien Choy, Story by Crystal S. Chan
As beautiful as Kipling’s prose are, they can sometimes baffle children of today – more so with Toomai of the Elephants and Her Majesty’s Servants than the other books. This is where graphic novels and Manga really help to fill the gaps, and Julien Choy’s modern illustration pops off the page! This book includes all the works of the First Jungle Book, including the poems.
Published in 2017 by Manga Classics
Where to Find:
The following are Adapted/Graphic Novel versions that I have not yet seen in person but look very interesting.
The Jungle Book adapted by Diane Wright Landolf and Illustrated by John Rowe
If you are curious about Rudyard Kipling's Vermont home, join me on my first travel vlog! Also, brief chat on Kipling, his works, and the illustrated versions of his best loved classics.
Other Illustrated Jungle Books
Here are others that I didn’t feature above but are still worth mentioning – they are too difficult to find or I just felt the illustrations didn’t work for this blog’s target audience (illustrations too mature, or too sparse). This section is a work in progress as I’m always adding more! (Use the arrows to scroll through several).
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed exploring the various illustrated versions of The Jungle Book with me!
I cannot express the gratitude I feel towards the folks from The Landmark Trust USA for allowing me time at the remarkable property of Naulakha to take photos/footage and learn about Kipling, his wife Caroline, their daughters and the happy time spent as a family in this wonderful home that saw so many of Rudyard Kipling’s famous works come alive – not only his Jungle Books, but also Kim, Captains Courageous and a few of the Just So Stories entered our literary conscience from Kipling’s time in Naulakha.
The works of Rudyard Kipling have influenced so many works to come, from Jack London’s White Fang, to Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. His legacy is one that keeps on giving, and I am excited to see what the future holds for illustrated interpretations of these remarkable collections of stories!
Thank you for reading! Have a lovely day!
Heather @WaterBearReads