5,774 words (24–32 minutes)
Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fable
First publication: Included in The Jungle Book, published by Macmillan in 1894

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In the lush gardens of a British bungalow in colonial India, a courageous young mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi rises to become the unlikely guardian of a human family. When a pair of deadly cobras threatens the household, Rikki must rely on his bravery, cunning, and instinct to defend his new home. A tale of loyalty, survival, and wild instinct, this classic story blends thrilling action with deep fable-like wisdom, showing how even the smallest protector can make the greatest difference.