Just So Stories

By: Rudyard Kipling

Narrated by: Geoffrey Palmer

Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the complete and unabridged collection of Rudyard Kipling's delightful Just So Stories, which he first told to his own children before setting them down on paper: How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Leopard Got His Spots, How the Elephant Got His Trunk, The Butterfly that Stamped, and many others. Written in the late 1800s and first published in 1902, these enchanting animals remain unforgettable, over 100 years later. To hear these magic fables by a master of children's literature is to enjoy them.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2002 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

Critic reviews

"This collection includes Kipling's 12 original Just So Stories narrated by Geoffrey Palmer, whose deep and resonant voice is perfectly suited to the tales. It is satisfying to hear the stories as they were meant to be told - aloud." ( School Library Journal)

Best narration EVER!

There is at least one other publisher that has a very good narration of these classic treasures. But NONE can top Goeffry Palmer's delightful performance. Rudyard Kipling's exquisite imaginative stories find their full expression in Palmer's performance.

Not really written for adults.

I disagree with Tea Thyme’s opinion that these stories are “excellent for both children and adults.” They may be fun to listen to while traveling with your children or grandchildren while you can enjoy the children’s reaction to the stories, but they were way too simple for me to listen to on my own.

I often enjoy books that are supposedly for children or “young adults”. I think that the “Harry Potter” series is the best piece of fantasy I have read (and listened to). This collection of stories, however is written for a much younger audience.

The narrator is excellent and of course Kipling’s writing is too, but not for adults.

A wonderful reading of a terrific collection!

These stories are excellent for both children and adults. My 4 year old loves them as have my nephews (10 and below), my Godchildren (10 and below) and all of the adults associated with these children, including my mother. Kipling is an imaginative author with a knack for storytelling. His wild and interesting explanations for the world around us are captivating and humorous.

I enjoyed reading the stories myself, but didn't understand the significance of certain phrases until I heard this read by Mr. Palmer. He does an excellent job. His reading is clear and easy to understand, not too quick, but not dragging. He "does the voices" and reads every word or sound written in Kipling's stories. His treatment of certain phrases (for instance, "...for all the gold in Arabia..." and "humph", both from the story of How the Camel Got Its Hump) gave me a more accurate idea of what the author was trying to convey with that choice of words. Mr. Palmer reads the asides (the bits directed to the listener, "Best Beloved") smoothly, incorporating them into the overall story beautifully - not as true interruptions.

I highly recommend both Kipling's Just So Stories and Mr. Palmer's reading of same.