The Jungle Book
by Rudyard Kipling
About_
Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is a classic collection of tales about Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, along with
stories of seals, a mongoose, elephants, Inuit hunters, and more. This study guide helps students understand the
characters, events, and ideas in the stories through questions and activities. It guides students through five chapter
sections that group the stories. This study guide contains 65 questions across 5 chapter sections (50 Factual + 15
Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 5 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (50 total), 5 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (15 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 6-8
Teacher Note_
This study guide helps students build comprehension step by step, moving from recalling key details to thinking
critically about courage, belonging, and justice. The varied activities keep readers engaged while saving you hours
of preparation. We hope it makes your lessons on this timeless classic a pleasure.
The Author and His World
Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India, in 1865 and spent his early childhood there before being sent to school in England.
His memories of India shaped the stories in The Jungle Book, which was first published in 1894. Kipling wrote during the time
of British rule in India, so the stories contain attitudes and descriptions that reflect that era.
A Collection of Tales
The Jungle Book is not a single story but a collection of short tales, some about the boy Mowgli and others about animals and
people in other parts of the world. Each story can be read on its own, yet many share ideas about courage, loyalty, and
belonging. Kipling also included short poems and songs that give the stories a rhythm like a fable.
Law, Nature, and Belonging
Many of the stories explore rules that keep order, such as the Law of the Jungle, and ask what happens when someone does
not fit neatly into a group. Animals in these tales often think and speak like people while still behaving like real creatures. As
you read, notice how Kipling uses animals to talk about human ideas such as fear, pride, friendship, and responsibility.