This Is the House That Jack Built

You can't go wrong with anything written and/or illustrated by Simms Taback. We bought this originally because I fondly remembered the story from my own childhood, but this surpasses that earlier edition. It is beautifully illustrated and captivating for our kids. They especially like it when you speed read it to them!! We've worn out our first version, but will be ordering another one. My Highest Recommendation!!

This will be our second copy of the book! We read the first one to death... and he has been asking for it ever since!

I got this book originally from the library for my son who was then just turning 2. We absolutely loved it. It is the kind of book that doesn't get old no matter how many times we read it together. He is not nearly 3, and he loves to sit down and read (recite) this book. Everyone who sees it loves the illustrations and the story itself. One of the touches that I like the most is the lettering. It all appears as a collage, making it very fun to look at. 5 very enthusiastic stars.

As Simms Taback tells the reader at the end of this rollicking, fun-filled adventure: "This Is The House That Jack Built, a favorite rhyme for children for several centuries, was first published in 1755 and probably derived from an ancient Hebrew chant in the 16th century. It was illustrated by Randolph Caldecott in 1878." And now this old and popular chain of events story gets the brilliant Taback treatment. Each clever and creative two page spread dazzles with vibrant color, marvelous, eye-popping detail, and witty asides. Children will revel in all the joyous, manic fun as they linger and explore each intriguing page, finding something new and exciting each time they open the book. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, This Is The House That Jack Built is a timeless masterpiece the whole family can read, share, and laugh over together, and a picture book no home should be without.

A colorful, busy, fun illustrated retelling of a classic tale. Each page bursts with so many details it would be difficult to list them all here, although I'll try. For example, on the cheese "that lay in the house that Jack built" page, ten cheeses are listed with the level of "smell" they give off, and on the "cat that ate the rat" page, many different types of felines are shown with a description of their personalities--and those are just the start of what is on each page. How does this tie in with the story? I'm not sure, but it doesn't really matter--it's so much fun finding all the details as well as hearing the repeating chant of the story over again makes for a fine time reading. Very fun and should keep a little one busy. I highly recommend this book.