Did you ever read the book this movie was based on? I really need to...

Bill Peet was the storyman behind this, and Walt's right hand man for a long time until they had a falling out and he left the studio. I can't recall if they ever got the chance to make peace before Walt died, but Bill Peet was definitely talented. It's a shame he did leave. He was greatly responsible for a lot of story elements in the Jungle Book, too.