Jim and the Beanstalk

You've heard of Jack and the beanstalk? Well, this is Jim...who didn't live long ago, but in today's time. And the giant--believe it or not--is the very son of the giant that lived in Jack's time. But that was so long ago even the giant's son is now very old. He's also toothless, bald, and with poor eyesight. Nevertheless, he still loves a nice juicy boy, fried on a slice of toast. How does Jim make out? How does the giant make out? You'll enjoy the answers.

In addition to being a teaching tool, this book is also great fun! A friend of mine who teaches in kindergarten paired it with Jack and the Beanstalk, reading the standard version first so the children had a particular image of the giant in their minds, and then reading this book, about a time when the giant is an old man. The children loved it! The illustrations are wonderful, from Jim carrying a giant-sized pair of glasses to the fully outfitted giant at the end. Afterwards, the children did a good job of comparing and contrasting the two stories. A great book!

As a first grade teacher, I have used this book for many years when faced with the task of teaching my students about respect, honesty, and good-samaritanism!I have yet to meet a 6 year old who's not heard of Jack and the Beanstalk. But, what happened to the giant after Jack took his gold and his beloved hen (goose)? Jack was a thief, but Jim is a delightful young man who wants nothing more than to help the poor, pessimistic giant he's encountered.This is a heartwarming story which can be extended by both parents and teachers to enrich a child's understanding and acceptence of others.