Rudyard Kipling was an English short-story writer, novelist and poet, remembered for his celebration of British imperialism and heroism in India and Burma. Kipling was the first Englishman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature (1907). His most popular works include The Jungle Book (1894) and The Just So Stories (1902), a collection of tales about how animals came to be the way they are today, also The Day's Work, a novel (1898). Book jacket.

Barrack-Room Ballads and Other Verses by Rudyard Kipling: Embark on a poetic journey with Rudyard Kipling, one of the greatest literary voices of the 19th century, as he crafts vivid and emotionally charged verses that capture the raw realities of soldiering, love, and the human spirit. Key points: Poetic Artistry: Experience Kipling's mastery of language and rhythm as he weaves poignant and evocative verses that transport readers to the battlefields, barrack rooms, and diverse landscapes, immersing them in the visceral experiences of soldiers and the complexities of love and loss. Unflinching Portrayals: Encounter Kipling's unvarnished portrayals of the harsh realities of war, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity, capturing the triumphs and tragedies of ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Cultural and Historical Significance: Recognize the cultural and historical impact of Kipling's work, which not only served as a voice for soldiers and common people but also reflected the complex political and social dynamics of his time, leaving an indelible mark on the world of poetry and literature. Barrack-Room Ballads and Other Verses by Rudyard Kipling: Rudyard Kipling, the master storyteller, invites readers on a poetic journey with Barrack-Room Ballads and Other Verses. This remarkable collection showcases Kipling's exceptional ability to capture the spirit and emotions of soldiers and common folk alike. Through his evocative verses, Kipling paints a vivid picture of military life, exploring themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war. From the rousing ballads that inspire patriotism to the poignant reflections on love and loss, Kipling's words resonate with power and authenticity. Barrack-Room Ballads and Other Verses is a testament to Kipling's literary prowess, offering a glimpse into the human experience and the indomitable spirit of those who serve.

Beloved for his fanciful and engrossing children’s literature, controversial for his enthusiasm for British imperialism, Rudyard Kipling remains one of the most widely read writers of Victorian and modern English literature. In addition to writing more than two dozen works of fiction, including Kim and The Jungle Book, Kipling was a prolific poet, composing verse in every classical form from the epigram to the ode. Kipling’s most distinctive gift was for ballads and narrative poems in which he drew vivid characters in universal situations, articulating profound truths in plain language. Yet he was also a subtle, affecting anatomist of the human heart, and his deep feeling for the natural world was exquisitely expressed in his verse. He was shattered by World War I, in which he lost his only son, and his work darkened in later years but never lost its extraordinary vitality. All of these aspects of Kipling’s poetry are represented in this selection, which ranges from such well-known compositions as “Mandalay” and “If” to the less-familiar, emotionally powerful, and personal epigrams he wrote in response to the war.

From Good Morning America anchor Amy Robach and her husband, actor Andrew Shue comes a sweet tale about finding common ground and accepting and appreciating each others' differences. When a big thunderstorm shakes their woodland home, the Squirrelly family must flee their nest for a hollow in an oak tree. To their surprise, the McMunk family had the exact same idea. This family of squirrels and a family of chipmunks must find ways to live together--which isn't always easy since they come from different backgrounds. But after some important lessons in compromise, the Squirrellys and the McMunks realize that life is better together as the McSquirrelies.