Jack and the Beanstalk

retold by Ann Keay Beneduce and illustrated by Gennady Spirin

ages- K-5

This richly woven fairytale set in Elizabethan times finds Jack and his mother destitute. Jack

goes to market to sell the family cow 'Milky White.' When he brings home magic beans, his mother is deeply troubled and knows that they will soon meet with disaster. Jack plants the beans and in the morning bravely climbs up. It is on the beanstalk that Jack meets a beautiful fairy all dressed in white. She explains that it was she who enchanted the beans and that poor Jack was indeed tricked into trading his cow for worthless beans. Jack presses her for news of his father and she tells him the story of losing her powers and, although she ultimately gains them back, being unable to save his father who is killed by the evil and greedy giant. Upon hearing the story, Jack feels that he must avenge his father and secure his mother's happiness. The clever Jack enters the giants house and, aided by the giant's unknowing but kindhearted wife, is able to retrieve what is so rightfully his family's fortune.

I seem to be on a bit of a Jack and the Beanstalk kick these days; I can't help myself- I love a good fairytale! This tale has a very different feel to it as Jack understands that he has a duty to kill the giant rather than robbing him through trickery. This Jack has a moral compass and feels duty bound to honor his family and the memory of his father. The illustrations are bewitching and beautifully rendered. Don't be put off by the length of the story- children will stay riveted not only to the story but to the intricate illustrations. Share this enchanting version of Jack and the Beanstalk with your children or grandchildren.

Look out, Jack! The Giant is Back!

written by Tom Birdseye and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

What happened after Jack stole the Giant's gold, the goose that lays the golden eggs, and the singing harp? What happened after the Giant fell to his death and Jack made it to safety? Wouldn't you know that the Giant had a brother- a bigger and meaner brother- who began to make a rope ladder the minute that Jack chopped down the bean stalk. Well, Jack and his mother hightailed it to the mountains of North Carolina where they set up shop and lived a peaceful life growing the most beautiful smelling roses around. But that mean old giant finds Jack and demands to have the gold, the goose, and the harp returned- or else. Jack is clever and quick, but is he quick enough to outsmart yet another giant?

This book is absolutely wonderful! The illustrations are entertaining and the insight into Jack's life is fun and witty. Introduce your kids to a new side of Jack and the beanstalk!

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ages: 12+

Ten year old Bud lost his mother 3 years ago and has been in an orphange and recently was placed in a foster home that was abusive. He escapes and decides to look for his father, whom he is convinced is famous musician, Herman F. Calloway. He decides to walk from Flint, Michigan to Grand Rapids. He experiences many setbacks and kindness of many strangers. At the mission where Bud is too late for the evening meal, another homeless family pretends that he's with them. Once Bud reaches his destination, Bud's search must continue because it turns out the musician cannont possibly be his father.

Bud is a loveable character and good nature. He survival skills make memorable. The setting is in the 30's, the height of the Great Depression and the small tastes of racism that the author carefully intergrates into the book. Great Read!