Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and his marvelous beanstalk made their first appearance in England in 1734—and for nearly three centuries the tale has continued to enchant children. After all, what could be more reassuring to a small child than the idea that even a little boy can outwit a scary giant?
John Cech retells this popular story with humor and warmth, adding plenty of entertaining details and bringing in some less familiar elements, too. (For example, when Jack escapes for the last time, the giant’s wife comes along with him, and becomes his mother’s good friend.) And Robert Mackenzie’s art captures all the magic of the huge beanstalk and the giant’s oversized world up in the clouds.

John Cech is a professor of English at the University of Florida where he is the Director of the Center for Children's Literature and Culture. He was the creator, producer, and host of the daily public radio program “Recess!” about the cultures of childhood. He has served as the President of the Children's Literature Association and received the Anne Devereaux Jordan Award for his contributions to children's literature. John has written seven books in the Classic Fairy Tale Collection for Sterling, in addition to retellings of Aesop's Fables, illustrated by Martin Jarrie, and The Nutcracker, illustrated by Eric Puybaret. John lives in Gainesville, FL, with his wife, Eve.

Robert Mackenzie graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in illustration and animation. He has worked as a concept and visual development artist at Lucasfilm, PDI Dreamworks, and Blue Sky Studios.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, The Hulk, Shrek 2, Ice Age: The Meltdown, and Horton Hears a Who are some of the films he has worked on.