The Jungle Book: The Strength of the Wolf is the Pack
April 7, 2016
Mowgli has lived in the Jungle for as long as he can remember. Raised by a noble wolf pack and mentored by a wise panther called Bagheera, Mowgli enjoys the rich, vibrant world of the animals. And while at times it is clear he doesn't quite fit in, he could never imagine leaving it. But when a vengeful tiger makes a vow to remove the man-cub from the Jungle, Mowgli's world is turned upside down. With help from his new friend Baloo the bear, Mowgli finds himself on a journey to protect his wolf family and himself--a journey that could change things forever. Will the man-cub be able to find his place in the Jungle?
This is the first edition of the Jungle Book Read-Along set, which came with a vinyl record (#319)
This edition features Robie Lester as narrator. Unlike future reprints, both songs are presented at the end of the read-along narration and the versions used here are the re-recorded jazz covers from the 1967 album, Songs from Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book and other Jungle Favorites. This would also be the same case with the 1977 edition.
Walt Disney's Story of The Jungle Book
1977
Second edition of the Jungle Book Read-Along set, which came with both a vinyl record and a cassette tape (4DC)
The text and narration is changed from the previous 1968 edition and would be used for future read-along reprints. Laurie Main as Bagheera replaces Robie Lester as narrator, with additional actors playing the voices of Mowgli, Baloo, and King Louie. The narration is also accompanied with George Bruns' music score of the film, while the two songs are now included as part of the narrative, rather than being played at the end.
The Jungle Book Read-Along
1990
Third edition of this Read-Along, which came with a cassette tape (no number provided)
The illustrations and 1977 text remain the same, only the cover is changed. Early pressings of this reissue use the same audio recording from 1977 as well, but was later updated with an entirely new recording with Bob Machray replacing Laurie Main as Bagheera, Scott MacAfee as Mowgli, Ed Gilbert as Baloo, and Jim Cummings as King Louie. A new "jungle bird" page-turning sound effect is used and the two songs featured are now the original film versions.