Adventure · Children's · Classics
The Jungle Book
A boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle learns its laws from a bear and a panther while a tiger wants him dead. The book also contains several unconnected animal stories.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1894
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 240
- Format
- Book 1 of 2 in The Jungle Book
Read this if you like classic animal adventure with real stakes and a strong jungle atmosphere.
Skip this if you expect the film; the original is more serious, and reflects colonial attitudes of its time.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Jungle Book
- What is The Jungle Book about?
- A boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle learns its laws from a bear and a panther while a tiger wants him dead. The book also contains several unconnected animal stories.
- Who should read The Jungle Book?
- Read it if you like classic animal adventure with real stakes and a strong jungle atmosphere. Skip it if you expect the film; the original is more serious, and reflects colonial attitudes of its time.
- How long and how fast is The Jungle Book?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 240 pages, first published in 1894.
- Does The Jungle Book have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Animal death.
- Can I borrow The Jungle Book for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Jungle Book; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Jungle Book?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Watership Down, The Wind in the Willows, Treasure Island.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved The Jungle Book
-
Watership Down
Another story in which animals have their own laws, dangers and culture, with a tougher heart.
-
The Wind in the Willows A calmer animal classic with similar charm and a love of landscape.
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Treasure Island Another short adventure from the same era that does not talk down to young readers.
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