The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

For those of you who have only seen the film adaptations of the Jungle Book, you will be surprised to notice this book isn't all about Mowgli trying to escape Shere Khan. In the book, the arrogant man cub makes out really well with his courage and animal wisdom.

And aside from that, Kipling tells the story of other heroic animals like Rikki Tikki the mongoose and Kotick, the white seal. You might have seen a seal at a beach or at the zoo, but have you ever wondered where they can go and what amazing things they can do? Maybe you do now. If so, you should read The Jungle Book.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien

To tell you the truth, I've never made it to the end of the movie that was based on this film. I've always fallen asleep, or found myself not paying attention. And I had no great reason for this. I know the film was a Don Bluth production and probably rules.

So how was the book? It was good. I prefer gerbils over mice and rats, but I do like stories about small animals who talk and are civilized. I liked the characters maybe more than I generally like wild animals. And I don't know why, since I can only assume the Wild need a lot more courage than human-types, sitting in their houses and typing on their computers. There might have been a philosophical element to this story, but I might have missed it, being not of the story's target demographic. Well, maybe I am. It's a good time to feel young.