"Just So Stories" by Aurand Harris is an enchanting compilation of plays that brings Rudyard Kipling's beloved tales to life. This delightful collection takes readers on a whimsical journey through the animal kingdom, immersing them in a world of humor and valuable life lessons. Harris skillfully adapts Kipling's timeless stories into a format that is perfect for the stage, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Featuring a diverse range of stories such as "How the Camel Got His Hump," "How the Elephant Got His Trunk," and "The Cat that Walked by Himself," each play captures the essence of Kipling's original tales while injecting its own theatrical elements. Harris's vibrant characters, witty dialogue, and imaginative staging make the plays engaging and thoroughly entertaining.
One of the standout aspects of "Just So Stories" is how Harris successfully preserves Kipling's storytelling style. The language employed in the plays is both lyrical and captivating, drawing readers into the magical world of the animal kingdom. Furthermore, Harris masterfully maintains the underlying moral messages of Kipling's tales, teaching important lessons about friendship, cooperation, and the consequences of one's actions.
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This book not only offers an enjoyable reading experience but also serves as a valuable resource for theaters and drama groups. Each play includes helpful stage directions and suggestions, simplifying the process of bringing these stories to life on the stage. The adaptation of these classic tales into plays provides a unique and interactive way to introduce young audiences to Kipling's timeless storytelling.
In conclusion, "Just So Stories" by Aurand Harris is a delightful collection of plays that does justice to Rudyard Kipling's original tales. With its engaging language, vibrant characters, and insightful life lessons, this book is a must-read for fans of Kipling's work, theater enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an entertaining and educational read. Immerse yourself in this whimsical journey through the animal kingdom, filled with laughter, enchantment, and important life lessons.
What are readers saying?
Just So Stories by Aurand Harris is a collection of delightful and imaginative tales that draw inspiration from Rudyard Kipling's original stories. Readers have shared a wide range of perspectives on the book, offering diverse opinions on its strengths and weaknesses.
Many reviewers have praised the book for its engaging storytelling and timeless charm. They appreciate the imaginative and well-crafted stories that effortlessly capture their attention from beginning to end. The book transports readers to magical worlds filled with talking animals and enchanting landscapes. The clever wordplay and incorporation of humor and wit have also been highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the stories.
On the other hand, some readers have expressed disappointment in the book's lack of originality, as it is an adaptation of Kipling's work. They feel that Harris has not brought anything new or unique to the stories and that the book fails to provide fresh perspectives or reinterpretations of the original tales. For these readers, reading Kipling's stories directly might be a preferable option.
A few reviewers have also commented on the book's suitability for different age groups. Some believe that the stories are captivating for both children and adults, with elements that can be appreciated by readers of all ages. However, others argue that the language and themes may be more geared towards a younger audience, and that older readers might not find them as engaging or thought-provoking.
Opinions on the illustrations in the book are mixed. Some readers enjoy the illustrations and believe that they enhance the storytelling experience. On the other hand, some feel that the illustrations are not strong enough or do not significantly contribute to the overall enjoyment of the stories.
JustSoStories ClassicTales AnimalFolktales