It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk, by Josh Funk | Book Review

The Children’s Book Review | July 16, 2018

It’s Not Jack And The Beanstalk

Written by Josh Funk

Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor

Age Range: 5 and up

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Two Lions

ISBN:978-1-5420-4565-0

What to expect: Twisted fairy tales, humor

We’ve all heard the story of Jack and the Beanstalk – but what if things went down a little different?

Jack was happily asleep when the narrator woke him for his adventure up the beanstalk. Thing is, Jack isn’t too thrilled to be a part of this adventure. Sell his cow for some silly magic beans? But he’s hungry! Can’t he eat the beans? No, says the narrator. That’s not how the story goes!

Poor Jack goes off on this wonky adventure, climbing an enormous beanstalk to get to a giant’s house to steal gold he doesn’t even want. But that’s when Jack starts to take things in to his own hands.

Sorry, narrator! This is Jack’s story now, and things might play out a little differently than the traditional story.

This hilarious misadventure will delight children looking for new stories featuring classic characters. Jack’s free-wheeling and brave personality turns his hijinks in to a thoughtful take on the villain’s narrative: is the giant all that bad? Turns out this one has a name, a life, wants and needs just like everyone else! Much to the stodgy narrator’s chagrin, the fairy tale ends hilariously different than the traditional tale. What a sweet way to show empathy to all characters while laughing along with a comical narrative.

The illustrations are rich, colorful and engaging. Add in the hidden details of other fairy-tale friends, and children will be sure to want to read this again and again. There are special appearances by Cinderella (Jack’s friend “Cindy”), some gnomes and a few other surprise friends, too.

A fantastic addition to any child’s library. Highly recommended.

Available Here: 

About the Author

Josh Funk

Like Jack, Josh Funk loves telling his own stories. He is the author of the popular picture books Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast and its sequel, The Case of the Stinky Stench, illustrated by Brendan Kearney; Dear Dragon, illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo; and the upcoming How to Code a Sandcastle illustrated by Sara Palacios in partnership with Girls Who Code. Josh lives in New England with his wife and children. Learn more about him at www.joshfunkbooks.com, and follow him on Twitter @joshfunkbooks.

About the Illustrator

Edwardian Taylor currently works as a visual development artist and character designer for TV and animation feature film. His work can also be seen in mobile games, films, and commercials. He is the illustrator of the picture book Race!, written by Sue Fliess. Edwardian lives in Texas with his partner, their three dogs, and seven chickens. Learn more about him at www.edwardiantaylor.com, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @edwardiantaylor.

It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk, written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor, was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Fractured Fairy Tales, Jack And The Beanstalk, Josh Funk, and Picture Book.