- What do the different stories of The Jungle Book have in common? Themes? Morals? Why are non-jungle stories included in The Jungle Book?
- What do the short chapters of verse add to the book? Why is each chapter preceded by a poem?
- How is each chapter a story of survival?
- Why is Mowgli skinning Shere Khan seen as heroic, but hunters skinning seals viewed as barbaric?
- When do animals act how you expect them to act (i.e. when does a tiger act like a tiger, or a monkey act like a monkey)? And when do they act in a way that defies your expectations?
- Is Kotick's story saying that only someone (or something) white can lead those of a darker color to safety? Or is it merely a harmless fable?
- Can "Toomai and the Elephants" be seen as an allegory for imperialism? Why or why not?
- How are the animals in "Her Majesty's Servants" similar to their handlers and the soldiers they serve?
- What are the similarities and differences between the Mowgli chapters and the Disney adaptations (or any other adaptations) of The Jungle Book? Why do you think the filmmakers made the changes they did?
- Are the stories told in The Jungle Book kids' stories? Why is The Jungle Book often marketed toward children?