The Cat That walked by Himself

My favorite of the "Just So Stories" explains how the Cat, the "wildest of the wild animals" came to share the home and hearth of Man. Of course, the Cat resisted the Magic which the Woman made to enslave the Dog, the Horse, and the Cow. He tricked the Woman into accepting him on his own terms. And to this day, he walks by himself, by his wild lone, waving his wild tail. And all places are alike to him. I've read Kipling's classic a bazillion times in the past 45 years, and this is easily the most beautiful rendition of it I've ever seen. The large type and attractive font make reading easy for children -- and delightful for adults! The illustrations are simply exquisite! The "Just So Stories" have withstood the test of time -- more than a century -- and political correctness But I beg to differ with Kipling's contention that "three proper Men out of five will always throw things at a Cat." *Real* proper men love cats!

This has always been my favorite "Just So Story." It is good to see it in an individual book, as it is a little unwieldy as part of a group. This is the story of how woman domesticated various animals, yet had to deal on equal terms with the cat. We all know this is true yet it is good to find the origin of this truth. The pictures add a dimension and do not distract from the words. Rudyard Kipling is a master at this telling.