Jack and the Beanstalk

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A lively retelling based on the original text by Joseph Jacobs. This reissue in new covers replaces the previous paperback.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

A sprightly retelling of the traditional tale from Jacobs, including an unaltered version of the `` Fee-fi-fo-fum. . . '' refrain. A wide-eyed, innocent Jack becomes more wily in the illustrations as well as in the text as he progresses from a young boy trading a cow for magic beans to a clever rogue who can outwit an ogre. Here, he makes three trips before the requisite happily-ever-after ending--one for gold, one for the hen, and lastly for the golden harp that sings. The ogre is fierce but not frightening. He first appears on the first verso in tears, presumably after being tricked by Jack on one occasion. The cartoonlike illustrations are full of action and the characters are expressive. Endpapers are filled with a lush beanstalk motif to help set the mood. Not as stylized as Cauley's version (Putnam, 1983) or as comic as Galdone's interpretation (Clarion, 1982), Biro's offering is a solid, basic addition to fairy-tale collections. --Micki S. Nevett, Temple Beth Emeth Library, Albany, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

An uninspired retelling of the classic nursery tale, with grotesque illustrations. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.