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Parade Song of the Camp Animals

From The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling published The Jungle Book in 1894, a collection of stories set in India that includes both the famous tales of Mowgli and poems like this one. "Parade Song of the Camp Animals" is sung by the working animals of a military camp—elephants, bullocks, horses, mules, and camels—each describing their role and pride (or lack of it) in the endless work of war. Kipling knew the British Indian army well, and he understood that the animals and the soldiers who walked beside them were equally caught in a machine they did not control. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. The song is worth reading because it asks a question that every generation must answer: is service still meaningful when you do not understand the purpose?

Band

Blue · Independent readers, confidentTypical starting range: ages 12–14

Length

long · about 1037 words in 4 sections · 2 pictures

Source

The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling

First published

1894

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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