Rikki-Tikki-Tavi - Rudyard Kipling So Kipling was an imperialist. Who cares? This is one of the greatest short stories ever written. I know, I know. Everyone raves about Mowgli. Forget him - Rikki-Tikki-Tavi all the way. Why Disney didn't make this one into a movie, I don't know. I can still remember the first time I read this.Kipling's tale is about young mongoose who must protect his family. Think cute and cuddly, but with sharp teeth. A perfectly thrilling tale.