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Parade Song of the Camp Animals

A poem from The Jungle Book, by Rudyard Kipling

This poem comes from The Jungle Book (1894) by Rudyard Kipling, a collection best known for the Mowgli stories but also containing poems and tales of military life in British India. Kipling grew up in India and knew the army camps well; he gives voice here to the working animals—elephants, bullocks, horses, mules, and camels—that moved the heavy guns and supplies for the army. Each animal has its own pride, its own complaint, and its own way of serving. The poem is worth a child's time because it shows that every role matters, that courage and service come in many forms, and that even in a world of hard work, each creature finds its own dignity. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised.

Band

Green · Independent readers, earlyTypical starting range: ages 9–11

Length

medium · about 792 words in 6 sections · 3 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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