When Jack trades his mother’s cow for five beans, he has no idea what’s in store for him. The beans turn into a beanstalk overnight, and lead up straight to an ogre’s house. Jack makes a bold move and steals the giant’s gold, and since he escapes uncaught, soon comes back for seconds, and even thirds. But the third time around, the ogre is ready for him and charges at Jack. But Jack’s luck holds out, as well as his quick thinking. He speeds down the stalk, grabs and axe, and chops down the beanstalk while the ogre is still half-way down. The ogre is annihilated, the gold is Jack’s for the keeping, and our incorrigible hero marries a princess.
Stephen Kellogg’s vibrant illustrations add roguish charm to this familiar fairy tale. This book is a must for devoted Kellogg fans and any others who enjoy well-told, well-illustrated choc-full-of-character picture books.
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