American publisher and author Ann Keay Beneduce and expatriate Russian artist Gennady Spirrin join forces in this picture-book retelling of the traditional English folktale concerning young Jack and the beanstalk, and the result is a distinct triumph. Set in Elizabethan times, "in the days of good Queen Bess," the story follows Jack as he exchanges his family's cow for some magical beans—much to the despair of his mother—and proceeds to ascend the massive beanstalk which grows from those beans. Meeting a good fairy in the land at the top of the beanstalk, Jack learns of the death of his father at the hands of a terrible giant, who also stole his father's fortune. Visiting the giant's home three times, Jack makes off with a fortune of good coins, a goose that lays golden eggs, and enchanted harp, eventually defeating the giant permanently when he gives chase...

I found this presentation of Jack and the Beanstalk quite interesting, as most other versions I have read do not include the episode of the fairy—a story element that gives Jack's actions a moral basis, making him an avenging son, rather than just a thief. According to Ann Keay Beneduce's brief afterword, her version is based upon that found in Horace Scudder's 1881 The Children's Book. This version of the story, in which a fairy appears, is also that found in Andrew Lang's 1890 Red Fairy Book. I was fascinated to learn, from the afterword, that the story of Jack and the Beanstalk has ties to the legend of the giant-slaying King Corineus of Cornwall, as set out in Geoffrey of Monmouth's pseudo-historical History of the Kings of Britain, as this is not something I recall reading before. In any case, I found the telling here engaging, and my reading pleasure was greatly enhanced by Gennady Spirin's gorgeous artwork! These paintings are breathtaking—detailed and ornate, with a rich color palette, they are presented on the right-hand side of every two-page spread, and are beautifully paired with the lovely decorative border designs which surround the text on the left-hand side pages of those spreads. If I had any critique to make, visually, it would be that I wish the painting themselves took up the entire page, rather than being encased in a white border, but leaving that aside, this was an aesthetic delight!

All in all, a beautiful book, one I would recommend to young folk and fairy-tales lovers, as well as to fans of the artist. Apparently this author and illustrator have collaborated on other picture books, which I think I will have to try and track down. ( )

this book’s pictures are dark and kind of bleh. i like the book’s message and a good example of traditional literature/ fable. there are lots of words on one page. read aloud friendly.

Folklore
Age Appropriateness: intermediate, secondary
Media: Watercolor and tempera on watercolor paper
This book is about a boy named Jack who sells his mom's cow for 10 magic beans. When he gets home his mom is furious with him and throws the magic beans out the window. The next morning the beans get turned in to a beanstalk by this angel who knew Jack's dad. Jack becomes very curious and climbs the beanstalk where he meets the angel. The angel tells Jack why his dad died and why his mother has never told him before. The lady tells Jack that he needs to defeat the giant that lives in the beanstalk in order to free his town and get his dads riches back that the giant stole from his dad. Jack goes up to the giants house a couple times and brings back a magical chicken, some gold, and a harp. But, when Jack takes the harp the giant wakes up and runs after him. Luckily, Jack is to quick and is able to chop down the beanstalk and kill the giant. Jack, his mom, and his town are very pleased and thankful that Jack killed the giant.
This book is a good folklore because it shows kids that their is hope if you truly fight for what is right, and that you know the difference between right and wrong. The author shows the readers and allows the readers to view good vs evil and to see the highest hopes in doing what is right.

Returning to the magical illustrations of Gennady Spirin, I learned that the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk is actually more than 2,000 years old. Earliest findings indicate that a King Corineus, a ruler of Cornwall, was depicted as wise and brave and one who roamed the countryside riding the areas of ugly, troublesome giants.

Throughout history, the legend has changed from a violent trickster who randomly robs for the fun of it. And, now over the years, the tale evolved from a King, a trouble-making giant, to a fairy tale of Jack who, in order to feed his mother and save them from poverty, plants beans that grow heavenward where the ogre giant lives who stole Jack's father's possessions. And, today, we route for the young boy who seeks to avenge his father and take back what rightfully belongs to his family.

Once again, Gennady Spirin's illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful. ( )

This is a wonderful retelling of a traditional story that most people and children probably know. The font, design and illustrations of the book help create the feel that this is the retelling of a traditional story. The dark neutral tones used in the book also add to the darkness of the story.