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The Big Book of Animal Stories
And the roar came back to him, calling him, calling him forward: a roar that meant there would be more tigers in the land!' For decades now Ruskin Bond has been charming us with his simple and captivating tales of Himalayan fauna, the zany and temperamental animals that were part of his grandfather's delightful menagerie of unusual pets in Dehra, the peaceful creatures that live in and around his house in Mussoorie, and the mythical and fanciful beings of his fertile imagination. The Big Book of Animal Stories is a compilation of the best of Ruskin Bond animal stories and poems. Its pages are inhabited by the doughty tiger who survives against all odds, spelling hope for India's fastvanishing wildlife, the beautiful, sinewy leopard whose trust costs him dear, the goodnatured hornbill who loves the rain, the mischievous monkey who insists on shaking hands with all who visit the house, the crossgrained cassowary bird who rudely rebuffs all attempts to befriend it, the python who keeps turning up in unexpected places, the squirrel who picks crumbs off the table, the beetle who keeps falling into the goldfish bowl, the whistling thrush, the leopard girl, and the tiger king. Bringing together the finest writing by a master storyteller on the creatures, humble and mighty, that inhabit this earth along with us, this collection will enchant the Bond aficionado and initiate alike.
- GenresChildrens
232 pages, Paperback
Published August 23, 2015
18 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
681 books3,564 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 12, 2022
The first story got me hooked! I was crying when I reached the 3rd page. You will know why! I actually kept reading the whole night as pages after pages gave me goosebumps and my heartbeat kept racing with each wild animal's story.
Four main sections. The first section is my favourite. I cried. I laughed. I felt fear. I wanted to be saved badly and I wished to save some lives too!
Yes, I got the book for the cover in the first place. And again it was about animals! And now I am a happy adult reading some of the best stories of adventure and thrill packed in one book!
This book! Why why why is there only 40 ratings? Original, amazing stories and a few poems by the author which I cannot believe I loved, loved, loved so much!
Get the book today. So worth it.
Four main sections. The first section is my favourite. I cried. I laughed. I felt fear. I wanted to be saved badly and I wished to save some lives too!
Yes, I got the book for the cover in the first place. And again it was about animals! And now I am a happy adult reading some of the best stories of adventure and thrill packed in one book!
This book! Why why why is there only 40 ratings? Original, amazing stories and a few poems by the author which I cannot believe I loved, loved, loved so much!
Get the book today. So worth it.
June 12, 2021
‘’He tiger is the very soul of India and when the last tiger has gone, so will the soul of the country.’’
The Big book of Animal stories, is a collection of 27 short animal stories and 10 poems written by Ruskin Bond all related to the wildlife of Hills. A beautiful ode to the fauna of mother earth, this book encompasses all elements of human nature and their relationship with animals.
His stories portray man as a basic unit of society. In his stories human relationship is above all relationships; even animals also have a sensitive nature and loving relationship with human beings.
Ruskin Bond through his animal stories also throws light on the fact that animals, being living creatures, have the same right to live as human beings, but they are killed and also tortured because of certain reasons like some are killed by hunters’ others are kept in laboratories for performing experiments. Also, they are killed only for the sake of fashion to collect their skins for making stylish dresses for the chosen few. Ruskin Bond never forgot to reveal the loving nature of animals so that we also take care of them and avoid killing animals for pleasure.
Ruskin Bond's association with animals, birds and insects is like that of a naturalist. This attachment helped him to understand their habits. He equates animals with human beings and gives a graphic description of wild life in his stories.
In Section I, To see a Tiger, Author enlightens us with many Tiger and leopard stories.
In The Tiger in the Tunnel, a battle is fought between a tiger and the night watchman, who has been working there for a long time.
In another Leopard story, he sadly reminisces that there is room for Mountain lions and human beings in the big world to live together.
In another long and one of my favorite story, "Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright" is an interesting story about the future of wildlife in India. It describes a sturdy old tiger that lives on its own near a village in the foothills of the Himalayas, and the villagers and the tiger respect each other's territory. The story represents how Tiger is a dignified creature who symbolizes harmony of creation and offers protection to the green forest from those who cut off trees and therefore Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright is an emblem of grace who preserves wild life.
In section II, Exciting encounters, we are mesmerized by various animal stories.
The story "Crow for all Season" is an interesting account of a crow, which befools human beings. The crow also accepts the truth that human beings are important for their existence and thus the fact regarding the interdependence of nature is emphasized here. "A Crow for All Seasons," is also a satire on the indifference of humans regarding birds and beasts and this truth is revealed through a crow named speedy who lives in a bungalow inhabited by the Colonel, his wife, their son, and junior sahib.
Many stories are included from Grandfather’s Private Zoo, which includes tales of wild animals like Toto, the monkey, who enjoyed hot baths, a python, who indulged in self-admiration by looking into the mirror; Harold, the hornbill, who played with tennis balls and Caesar, the crow, who tore things to pieces.
Another tale Owls in the family is the story of Bond’s family adopting small owlets when he was young and their adventures thereon, comic tales of grandfather fighting an Ostrich, bears stealing pumpkin at the village roofs, Cassowary bird gracing the verandah of Grandfather’s house and its stint with Baby elephant and some exciting Jim Corbett stories.
In Section III, Visitors from the forest, he narrates the experiences how wild creatures seek shelter from the forest in his house which is the most convenient refuge.
Some mythical tales such as The hare in the moon and The Tiger King’s gift, The white elephant and The boy who could see footsteps are also included to give a taste to readers about animals significance in our folklore and myths.
In Section IV - Poems, 10 lovely poems are included about the wildlife with my favorite ones being Tigers Forever!, Listen ! and Firefly in my room. Like Shelley, Ruskin Bond finds joy in nature. His heart dances with joy to hear the natural music of birds and transfers them to beautiful poetry.
In Ruskin Bond's stories where animals are the antagonists of humans, either animals struggle to survive, or humans upset the ecological balance by intrusion into the world of animals. His stories lay emphasis on saving wild animals in this world.
The Big book of Animal stories, is a collection of 27 short animal stories and 10 poems written by Ruskin Bond all related to the wildlife of Hills. A beautiful ode to the fauna of mother earth, this book encompasses all elements of human nature and their relationship with animals.
His stories portray man as a basic unit of society. In his stories human relationship is above all relationships; even animals also have a sensitive nature and loving relationship with human beings.
Ruskin Bond through his animal stories also throws light on the fact that animals, being living creatures, have the same right to live as human beings, but they are killed and also tortured because of certain reasons like some are killed by hunters’ others are kept in laboratories for performing experiments. Also, they are killed only for the sake of fashion to collect their skins for making stylish dresses for the chosen few. Ruskin Bond never forgot to reveal the loving nature of animals so that we also take care of them and avoid killing animals for pleasure.
Ruskin Bond's association with animals, birds and insects is like that of a naturalist. This attachment helped him to understand their habits. He equates animals with human beings and gives a graphic description of wild life in his stories.
In Section I, To see a Tiger, Author enlightens us with many Tiger and leopard stories.
In The Tiger in the Tunnel, a battle is fought between a tiger and the night watchman, who has been working there for a long time.
In another Leopard story, he sadly reminisces that there is room for Mountain lions and human beings in the big world to live together.
In another long and one of my favorite story, "Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright" is an interesting story about the future of wildlife in India. It describes a sturdy old tiger that lives on its own near a village in the foothills of the Himalayas, and the villagers and the tiger respect each other's territory. The story represents how Tiger is a dignified creature who symbolizes harmony of creation and offers protection to the green forest from those who cut off trees and therefore Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright is an emblem of grace who preserves wild life.
In section II, Exciting encounters, we are mesmerized by various animal stories.
The story "Crow for all Season" is an interesting account of a crow, which befools human beings. The crow also accepts the truth that human beings are important for their existence and thus the fact regarding the interdependence of nature is emphasized here. "A Crow for All Seasons," is also a satire on the indifference of humans regarding birds and beasts and this truth is revealed through a crow named speedy who lives in a bungalow inhabited by the Colonel, his wife, their son, and junior sahib.
Many stories are included from Grandfather’s Private Zoo, which includes tales of wild animals like Toto, the monkey, who enjoyed hot baths, a python, who indulged in self-admiration by looking into the mirror; Harold, the hornbill, who played with tennis balls and Caesar, the crow, who tore things to pieces.
Another tale Owls in the family is the story of Bond’s family adopting small owlets when he was young and their adventures thereon, comic tales of grandfather fighting an Ostrich, bears stealing pumpkin at the village roofs, Cassowary bird gracing the verandah of Grandfather’s house and its stint with Baby elephant and some exciting Jim Corbett stories.
In Section III, Visitors from the forest, he narrates the experiences how wild creatures seek shelter from the forest in his house which is the most convenient refuge.
Some mythical tales such as The hare in the moon and The Tiger King’s gift, The white elephant and The boy who could see footsteps are also included to give a taste to readers about animals significance in our folklore and myths.
In Section IV - Poems, 10 lovely poems are included about the wildlife with my favorite ones being Tigers Forever!, Listen ! and Firefly in my room. Like Shelley, Ruskin Bond finds joy in nature. His heart dances with joy to hear the natural music of birds and transfers them to beautiful poetry.
In Ruskin Bond's stories where animals are the antagonists of humans, either animals struggle to survive, or humans upset the ecological balance by intrusion into the world of animals. His stories lay emphasis on saving wild animals in this world.
May 12, 2019
A lovely book. Set in four parts - To See a Tiger; Exciting Encounters; Visitors from the forest and Poems , this is a classic Ruskin Bond meets wildlife magic stuff.
There are tigers, birds, fireflies, hill-lores and more in this book. Add to this the portry - 'Listen to the night wind in the trees.....And the silence calling'
There are tigers, birds, fireflies, hill-lores and more in this book. Add to this the portry - 'Listen to the night wind in the trees.....And the silence calling'
March 16, 2021
Ruskin Bond as an author is well known in India. Especially because most of his stories featured in NCERT English Textbooks during our schooling. It was then I developed some appreciation for him. However, I never got the chance to read his book(s) cover to cover. So when on Goodreads I suddenly saw this book, I couldn't resist myself but immediately clicked on "Want to Read" and then started looking for this book. The moment I started immersing myself into it, the relish was so heartwarming that I was hooked. Please don't be misled that it is only meant for children. These writings would fascinate juveniles, adolescents, youths and old equally. This book is a collection of Animal Stories and most of them are anecdotes/real-life incidents from Ruskin's personal experiences when he was living in close proximity of Himalayan Forests in Uttarakhand. Some are fictional stories in which characters are based in Himalayas. Some are folktales and mythological stories which I am damn sure not many of you are aware. And last section of book contains Ruskin's small poems on animals. Of all the stories/anecdotes/accounts, the ones I liked the most -
1) To See A Tiger
2) Snake Trouble
3) The Parrot Who Couldn't Talk
4) Copperfield in the Jungle
5) The Hare in the Moon
But my favourite in this entire collection is - "Birdsong in the Hills" - this is not story but description of various breeds/species of birds found in Himalayan Forests. After reading this chapter, I felt if Ruskin Bond would have pursued Zoology, he would have surely surpassed Sir David Attenborough!
His narration, writing style and choice of words keeps the reader engaged.
1) To See A Tiger
2) Snake Trouble
3) The Parrot Who Couldn't Talk
4) Copperfield in the Jungle
5) The Hare in the Moon
But my favourite in this entire collection is - "Birdsong in the Hills" - this is not story but description of various breeds/species of birds found in Himalayan Forests. After reading this chapter, I felt if Ruskin Bond would have pursued Zoology, he would have surely surpassed Sir David Attenborough!
His narration, writing style and choice of words keeps the reader engaged.
July 17, 2025
Second only to Gerald Durrell's childhood memories, Ruskin Bond writes of personal experiences with exotic (to a lot of readers) animals like tigers, monkeys, hornbills, etc. These experiences are true to the animals themselves; they act as those of their kind would...and the stories draw you in.
I only wish I'd read them when I was a boy. I appreciate them now but I would have LOVED them then.
A good part of this book has fictional animals that still act as animals some of the time but also talk and act with human values- animal tales with morals, basically. These are interesting as well.
I was a bit surprised when both people and animals were killed. This was dealt with in the book as predators deal with their prey; incidents were written about swiftly and mercifully. I think it was a frank and good approach to a difficult subject to write about.
I recommend this book and find it a bit odd I've never run across it before.
I only wish I'd read them when I was a boy. I appreciate them now but I would have LOVED them then.
A good part of this book has fictional animals that still act as animals some of the time but also talk and act with human values- animal tales with morals, basically. These are interesting as well.
I was a bit surprised when both people and animals were killed. This was dealt with in the book as predators deal with their prey; incidents were written about swiftly and mercifully. I think it was a frank and good approach to a difficult subject to write about.
I recommend this book and find it a bit odd I've never run across it before.
July 8, 2018
Ruskin Bond is a skilled storyteller. His writing style is simple yet engaging and the setting is predominantly in the hilly region of lndia, mostly in and around Dehra.
However, despite the limited setting and characters, these stories are universal in nature. Here, the villagers engage with Shikaris and Nature in almost identical manner. The protagonists are usually kids, mostly a boy aged 12-13 years old and the stories are narrated from his point of view. But still these stories aren’t children stories and can be best described as ageless fiction.
http://scribblesofsoul.com/big-book-o...
#review #RuskinBond #shortstories
However, despite the limited setting and characters, these stories are universal in nature. Here, the villagers engage with Shikaris and Nature in almost identical manner. The protagonists are usually kids, mostly a boy aged 12-13 years old and the stories are narrated from his point of view. But still these stories aren’t children stories and can be best described as ageless fiction.
http://scribblesofsoul.com/big-book-o...
#review #RuskinBond #shortstories
November 19, 2022
ANOTHER GOOD BOOK BY RUSKIN BOND... CONTAINS MARY REAL AND FICTIONAL STORIES ABOUT ANIMALS. I LIKED EACH ONE OF THEM AND READ THE BOOK OVER AND OVER. IT'S A FANTASTIC PIECE, A WONDER OF NATURE, I'D SAY. ANY ANIMAL LOVER SHOULD TRY THIS BOOK FOR SURE.
July 20, 2019
Super!
July 4, 2023
Good book
Well written book by a master!Describes nature very well!Holds attention like a king! Worth reading and enjoying to the fullest!
Well written book by a master!Describes nature very well!Holds attention like a king! Worth reading and enjoying to the fullest!
March 28, 2017
The Book divided into 4 sections includes poetry from the living legend - storyteller.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews