Rudyard Kipling revolutionized children's literature with his portrayal of complex young characters, challenging the conventional binary of "good" versus "bad" children. Prior to Kipling's Just So Stories, children's books typically painted protagonists in black and white terms, not acknowledging the nuanced behavior of real kids. Kipling, however, celebrated the diverse spectrum of child behavior as both natural and vital in the development of individual identities.

The Just So Stories highlight the pure, unfiltered spontaneity of young children, mirroring their playful exploration of the world. Kipling's other works, such as The Jungle Books (1894-1895), Kim (1901), and Stalky & Co. (1899), delve deeper into the moral evolution of children as they mature. These stories present young characters grappling with the complex task of distinguishing good from bad, asserting themselves, and forging their own unique identities.

Among Kipling's creations, Mowgli from The Jungle Books stands out as the quintessential emblem of the uninhibited child. As an Indian orphan raised by wolves in the jungle, Mowgli embodies the "noble savage" ideal articulated by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau posited that humans are inherently good and that civilization often corrupts this natural state. Mowgli’s narrative is a quest to preserve his innate "animal identity" while navigating the challenges posed by human society.

Similarly, Kim explores the identity struggle of an Irish boy orphaned in India who feels culturally Hindu. Through a series of challenging experiences, Kim comes to understand his identity as a Sahib. This journey of self-acceptance parallels the struggle faced by the protagonists of Stalky & Co., where three boys endure the harsh realities of bullying in a boarding school. Their story emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's intrinsic goodness amidst external pressures and the risk of becoming oppressors themselves.

Across these narratives, Kipling consistently illustrates his admiration for the innate nobility present in both humans and animals. He contrasts this with the often brutal and corrupting influence of "civilized" society, particularly the adults who inhabit it. Through his stories, Kipling invites readers to reconsider the simplistic dichotomies of good versus bad and to appreciate the more complex moral landscape of childhood development.