The Universal and Undying Appeal of Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories for Little Children

Just So Stories for Little Children (1902) enjoyed a phenomenal reception. Accompanying Kipling's affection for children was a pronounced desire to experiment in the creation of fiction and poetry, leading to originality through inventiveness, the continuing legendary appeal of which argues forcefully for this being Kipling's most successful book. The most enduring impression that Kipling wanted to leave on his beloved child audience is that these stories are magical, the purpose being not to teach children morality but to transport them to the realm of magic. But this is not just "children's literature." Adults are Kipling's intended audience, too, and the elusiveness of truth is a major theme, which the criticism to date has not clearly understood. In a world where truth fades before us, what can humankind do that is truly uplifting? This article delves into Kipling's answer, which may well prove surprising to many. [146 words]