Not So Stories

This collection reclaims and reinterprets classic tales from Just So Stories, offering fresh perspectives from writers of color worldwide.

Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories once enchanted children around the globe with their whimsical tales of extraordinary creatures and adventures. However, as time has progressed, these stories have come to symbolize a more complex narrative, one that reflects the realities of British colonialism and its lasting impact. The legacy of Kipling's work now raises important questions about representation, ownership, and the stories we choose to tell.

In Not So Stories, a diverse group of writers from various backgrounds takes on the challenge of reimagining these classic tales. They reclaim the narratives originally penned by Kipling and transform them into new stories that resonate with contemporary audiences. This collection not only pays homage to the original tales but also seeks to address the historical context that often gets overlooked, creating a richer, more inclusive literary landscape.

Featuring contributions from talented authors such as Adiwijaya Iskandar, Joseph Elliott-Coleman, and many others, Not So Stories invites readers to explore a tapestry of voices and perspectives. With illustrations by Woodrow Phoenix and a foreword by Nikesh Shukla, this book serves as both a celebration of storytelling and a poignant reminder of the importance of diverse narratives in literature today.