The popular Kipling story about a fearless little mongoose who becomes part of an English family living in India can be newly understood because of Pinkney's forte in painting and drawing incomparable flora and fauna. His respect for artist Arthur Ransome is evident in the ways he's developed his trademark illustrations of flowers and wildlife. Pinkney's personal childhood attachment to this particular Kipling story is clear in his full-color artwork and his statement at the end of this picture book edition that is certain to become a collector's item. (Ages 4-9)

Here is the thrilling story of Rikki, a fearless young mongoose who finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle to protect a boy and his parents from Nag and Nagaina, the two enormous cobras who stalk the gardens outside the family s home in India. Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kipling s timeless masterpiece has been lovingly passed from one generation of readers to the next. Triumphantly brought to life in stunning watercolors from Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney, this is a tale that will win the hearts of young and old alike