Jack & the Hungry Giant Eat Right with MyPlate

K-Gr 3—This picture-book reworking of "Jack and the Beanstalk" begins with Jack's mother throwing the beans out the window and the adventurous boy climbing the resultant beanstalk and sneaking into the giant's castle. But instead of becoming the meal, Jack is treated to a lesson in healthy eating by Waldorf the giant, following the USDA guidelines. Each food group is reviewed, with options included that are often overlooked in traditional texts (quinoa and couscous among the grains, scallops and sardines among the proteins). The tale ends with Jack, the giant, and the giant's wife dining together and discussing possible exercises ("we could toss boulders," says the giant). Back matter has information about the MyPlate model, foods to avoid, links to activity pages, and the MyPlate government website. Ths is a great teaching tool; children will enjoy the twist on the familiar fairy tale; the clear, accessible information; and the colorful, cartoonlike digital illustrations.—Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA