The story of Mowgli, a man-cub who is brought up by wolves in the jungles of Central India, is one of the greatest literary myths ever created. As he embarks on a series of thrilling escapades, Mowgli encounters such unforgettable creatures as the bear Baloo, the graceful black panther Bagheera, and Shere Khan, the tiger with blazing eyes. Other animal stories range from the dramatic battle between good and evil in “Rikki-tikki-tavi” to the macabre comedy “The Undertakers.” With The Jungle Books, Kipling drew on ancient beast fables, Buddhist philosophy, and memories of his Anglo-Indian youth to create a rich, symbolic portrait of man and nature, and an eternal classic of childhood.