The Second Jungle Book

The Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling (1895)

The continuation of Mowgli's story plus five standalone tales of animal life. Includes "Letting in the Jungle," where Mowgli destroys the village that rejected him, and "The Spring Running," his bittersweet farewell to the jungle.

Historical Significance:
Published in 1895, a year after The Jungle Book, this sequel contains some of Kipling's finest writing. The Mowgli stories become darker and more complex as the boy approaches manhood and must choose between the jungle and human civilization. "Red Dog" — Mowgli's epic battle against marauding dholes — is one of the most thrilling action sequences in children's literature. The non-Mowgli stories ("The Miracle of Purun Bhagat," "Quiquern") show Kipling's range beyond the familiar jungle setting.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1895. Free to read and share.