Jack and the Baked Beanstalk

K-Gr 4—In this recasting of the traditional tale set during the Depression era, Jack and his mother live and work in a broken-down burger truck parked at the edge of town. When a new overpass diverts traffic away from their location, business dries up. Jack is sent to the store with their last pennies for milk and coffee beans, but instead buys a can of magic baked beans from a mysterious stranger and is tossed out by his angry mother. After the purchase grows into a vine sprouting shiny cans of this delicious staple, the boy climbs up and meets a fearsome-looking giant, but soon discovers that this lonely individual would rather cook for him than eat him. In fact, the giant, bored with counting gold, would take Jack up on his invitation to return home with him, but for his fear of heights. However, events conspire to land the big guy at Jack's doorstep and bring about a happy-ever-after ending for all. Alternating between single- and double-page images and album-style snapshots, the digitally created artwork presents sepia-toned city scenes and gold-tinged vine-top panoramas with cinematic flair. Shifts in light and perspective underscore the magic and convey the mood. Amusing touches abound, and the cleverly envisioned characters include a charismatic Jack and a giant outfitted as an oversize banker in a pinstriped suit, round spectacles, and red carnation. A satisfying retelling, flavored with jaunty humor and the message that money can't buy happiness.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal