Just so stories

1. How the Whale Got His Throat 2. How the Camel Got His Hump 3. How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin 4. How the Leopard Got His Spots 5. The Elephant's Child 6. The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo 7. The Beginning of the Armadilloes 8. How the First Letter Was Written 9. How the Alphabet Was Made 10. The Crab That Played With the Sea 11. The Cat That Walked by Himself 12. The Butterfly That Stamped

Just So Stories is a collection of 12 stories by Rudyard Kipling, featuring eccentric myths and fanciful revelations about how animals acquire their distinctive features. The stories are humorous and archetypal, offering cautionary tales about sinful traits like sloth, greed, and envy. Kipling is known for his ability to weave spells in children's stories and his playful and inventive language. The book takes readers on an adventure to the wilds of Africa, where animals grow up in harmony, much like a human family. The stories often revolve around an animal being modified by human or magical acts. Kipling addresses the reader as "Best Beloved," emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creating a bond between the reader and the author. The book is filled with songs, giving it a lyrical attribute. The stories are delightful for adults and children, and they were adapted into a 1984 musical, Just So. In 2007, composer Paul Ayres was commissioned to write musical settings of some of the songs from Just So Stories, demonstrating the book's continued popularity.