The Jungle Book

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 22, 2016

Review

This is a lovely reissue edition. But I can only think that the reason it was released in 2016 is to coincide with the 2016 live action movie release of the Jungle Book. This edition states that it is the "first U.S. hardcover edition in this format". But that is only a technicality. This particular reissue edition is beautifully illustrated by Nicola Bayley. The illustrations are done in colored pencil. They are vibrant & detailed. But this reissue edition was originally published in the U.S. in 2005 with Nicola Bayley's illustrations. This 2016 reissue of the 2005 reissue is nearly identical. The colors used on the cover and in the decorative trim on the inside pages are brighter. And the pages are mostly a crisp white. In the 2005 edition, the cover and decorative trim are darker and the pages are a taupe like color. Also, there is a brief word from the illustrator in the 2016 edition. Otherwise the two reissues are the same. It is still a timeless classic of a story about a boy named Mowgli raised by animals in the Indian jungle. Purchase this reissue edition only if you don't the 2005 edition or if you need a replacement. This would make a lovely gift for someone who loves this story.

Overall Book Score: very good