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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
The Jungle Book 2
That beloved bear Baloo is back along with some new and returning characters in this adorable sequel which has Mowgli confused as to where he really belongs. The story starts not too long after Mowgli followed Shanti out of the jungle and started a new life in the man village where he was taken in by a loving family. His young stepbrother Ranjan, who hangs on every word when Mowgli recounts stories from the jungle, idolizes him. But Mowgli misses his old home and doesn't feel loved or wanted in the village. He feels the jungle rhythm in his soul. "You can take the boy out of the jungle but you can't take the jungle out of the boy." So, he sneaks back to the jungle to be with Baloo.
Shanti and Ranjan are close behind, not aware of all the dangers in this unfamiliar world of snakes, tigers, and other animals. Soon the entire village is looking for the children. And the evil Shere Khan is looking for Mowgli, intent on finally getting his revenge on the boy. The tiger wants the young boy dead, once and for all. But Bagheera, Mowgli's old panther friend, and Baloo look out for him. And Shanti and Ranjan, who, after fighting off the spellbinding snake Kaa, continue their search for Mowgli. Little Ranjan is fearless, wanting to be like his older brother.
After a final fight with Shere Khan, Mowgli must decide where he wants to live. Should he return with Shanti and Ranjan to the village or stay with his beloved Baloo? After all, the jungle is filled with the "Bare Necessities" of life.
The original Jungle Book was made in 1967. It was the last animated feature supervised by which Walt Disney and is one of the most popular animated feature films. It was the first animated film to use the characteristics of the voice actors in the animated characters themselves.
The Jungle Book 2 contains several toe tapping songs, including the well-liked "Bare Necessities," which was made famous in the original film. "Jungle Rhythm," "I Wan'na Be Like You," "W-I-L-D," and more are included in the soundtrack, which is a "must have" if you want to keep that beat alive long after leaving the theater.
Haley Joel Osment voices Mowgli and John Goodman is the voice of Baloo. Endearing little Ranjan (voiced by 5-year old Connor Funk) steals the show, or at least his scenes.  This sequel is every bit as good as the original film and is destined to be another Disney classic, with a bouncy soundtrack that will have you tapping your toes and singing along. The folks at Disney once again prove they know how to make a great animated feature with unforgettable characters that will capture your heart.
"The Jungle Book 2 Read-Along" is a great way to keep the story alive after leaving the theater. It includes a CD retelling the story and a 24-page book to read along as the story is recounted or just to read alone. The book contains colorful scenes from the film.
And there are several great books from the movie too. "The Jungle Book 2; A Read-Aloud Storybook" is a beautifully illustrated large hardcover book recounting the entire story. It's definitely one to keep and re-read time and time again. And for little hands, there's a paper book titled simply, "The Jungle Book 2." It has brightly colored illustrations and is easy for small fingers to hold. There's also a coloring book that flips over for two different stories about Mowgli and Baloo, "The Jungle Book 2: A Place to Call Home" and "Swingin' and Singin'." And another coloring book, "Born to be Wild" comes with textured cards to rub onto the pictures to add texture to them! All of these books bring home the fun of the jungle and the heartwarming characters.
© 2003 Francine Brokaw
All pictures ©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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