Where was Rudyard Kipling born?
[Rudyard Kipling was born in India.] • Why might Rudyard Kipling have chosen to set many of his stories in India? [Having lived part of his life in India, Kipling was likely familiar with its animals, people, and places.] • Next, have your students name the animals Kipling describes in the first paragraph (mongoose, muskrat, tailor-bird) and tell them that the animals in the story are animals native to India. Then tell your students that, before reading, they are going to explore PBS’s multimedia snapshot tour of India to become more familiar with the land and animals of India. • Begin the tour with the section labeled “Northern India.” When you reach the photograph of the baby tiger at the end of the slideshow, ask your students if they notice anything interesting in the caption. Your students should see that part of the land is referred to as “Kipling Country,” and draw the conclusion that the area is named after Rudyard Kipling. Encourage student comments and questions as you click
