Fearsome Giant, Fearless Child: A Worldwide Jack and the Beanstalk Story

Gr 1–4—In this compelling companion to Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal, Fleischman and Paschkis retell the "Jack and the Beanstalk" story by piecing together various versions from around the globe. Snippets from stories featuring fearsome giants and fearless children from Italy, Japan, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Indonesia, Chile, England, Gambia, Greece, Germany, Mongolia, Russia, Norway, the Philippines, and the United States, are seamlessly woven together for a unique and riveting version of this timeless fairy tale. Beginning with a king and his scorned son and continuing with the abandonment and clever deliverance of the young protagonist, the story is brimming with tension and adventure. The contrast of the various interpretations is fascinating, and the curiosity it stirs up keeps the story moving at a rapid and intriguing pace. The book is respectful of a child's ability to handle the good and the bad elements of the plot and is not neutralized for the very young. Each framed illustration is surrounded by elaborate and colorful border art depicting dragons, giants, and other terrifying creatures. The colors are earthy and deep and the paintings angular and bold.