How the Leopard Got His Spots - (Graphic Spin (Quality Paper)) by Rudyard Kipling (Paperback)

About the Book

A leopard finds a way to get some spots in this graphic retelling of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale.

Book Synopsis

In this retelling of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale, a leopard finds a way to hide when the Ethiopian covers him with spots. Told in graphic novel format.

Review Quotes

These adaptations are divided into categories to look like research logs. "Research" features a brief profile of the camel or the leopard, its habitat, and natural prey or nearby animals. "Kipling's Observation" is a highly abridged version of the "Just So" story, supplemented by cartoon bubbles that extend the action and add humor. The ending poem in each story appears in full, followed by a more extended profile of the character. A "Learn More" segment features terms, discussion questions, and opportunities for further exploration. The final section profiles Kipling and the author and illustrator. Overall, fans of Kipling won't find much of his original story here, but the power of the graphic novel to move readers into further exploration of an author's work could rectify that. The over-the-top depictions of wide-eyed animals with exaggerated expressions will please fans of the film Madagascar or Disney's Aladdin, à la Dinn. The log format does little to add to the books' appeal but discussion questions and further research opportunities are always welcome.-- "School Library Journal"

Tulien integrates some of Kipling's original language into the narration. What's so clever? He has the characters, the animals and the Ethiopian, interacting with the narrator. (We don't see a narrator; we just see the narrative text.) Even some of the dialogue is Kipling's original language, which not only makes the text more authentic but adds flavor to the comic, making it more than just a dry adaptation, like so many classic comic adaptations. . . .a great way to introduce and new readers to these stories--and get them hooked.-- "SLJ's Good Comics for Kids blog"