A parent might reach for this book when their child loves familiar fairy tales but is ready for a fun, surprising twist. This book reimagines the classic "Jack and the Beanstalk" in the Louisiana bayou, with a clever young hero named Jacques who speaks in a lively Cajun dialect. The story follows the classic plot points of trading a cow for magic beans, climbing to a giant's castle in the sky, and outsmarting the giant to bring riches home to his Maman. It's a wonderful choice for early elementary readers (ages 6-9) who will delight in the humor, adventure, and bravery. The unique language also serves as a great, natural way to build vocabulary and introduce children to a vibrant American regional culture.
The story uses a strong, phonetic Cajun dialect that may be unfamiliar to some readers.
Sensitive Topics
The story features classic fairy tale peril. The giant threatens to eat Jacques ("I'm gonna eat you for my supper!") and chases him. The giant's demise is the result of Jacques chopping down the beanstalk; his death is implied but not graphically described. The approach is entirely secular, and the resolution is hopeful and triumphant for the protagonist and his mother.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 6 to 8-year-old who knows the original "Jack and the Beanstalk" and will delight in the clever variations. It's perfect for a child who enjoys adventure, humor, and seeing a small, clever hero outwit a big, scary villain. It's also an excellent choice for introducing kids to regional dialects and American folklore in a fun, accessible way.
Parent Prep
A parent should preview the book to get comfortable with the phonetic Cajun dialect ("de" for "the," "cher" for "dear"). Practicing a page or two aloud will make the read-aloud experience smoother and more enjoyable. Parents should also be aware of the giant's threat to eat Jacques and his implied death at the end, which is standard for the tale but could be startling for a particularly sensitive child. A parent has just read a classic fairy tale for the tenth time and hears, "This one again? It's boring!" Or, a parent is looking for a fun read-aloud that has a unique rhythm and voice to share with their child.
Age Experience
A younger child (6-7) will likely focus on the action and suspense: climbing the beanstalk, hiding from the giant, and the magic of the treasures. An older child (8-9) will more fully appreciate the humor of the language, the cleverness of the retelling, and the specific cultural flavor of the Cajun setting. They may also be more interested in comparing and contrasting this version with the traditional one.
What Makes It Special
The primary differentiator is its authentic and joyful Cajun voice. Unlike a simple retelling, Mike Artell immerses the reader in a specific cultural setting through phonetic dialect, regional vocabulary, and illustrations that evoke the Louisiana bayou. This transforms a familiar story into a fresh cultural exploration, making it both entertaining and educational.
Read plot summary
This is a Cajun retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk." A poor boy named Jacques trades his cow for magic beans, much to his Maman's dismay. A giant beanstalk grows overnight, and Jacques climbs it to a castle in the clouds. There, he encounters a fearsome giant who wants to eat him. With the help of the giant's kind wife, Jacques escapes three times, each time with a treasure: a hen that lays golden eggs, a sack of money, and a magic harp. On the final escape, the giant chases him down the beanstalk, but Jacques chops it down, and the giant falls.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The giant's wife helps Jacques hide three different times. Why do you think she chose to help him instead of the giant?
2
Jacques' Maman was angry when he traded their cow for beans. Do you think Jacques made a good decision or a foolish one? Why?
3
This story uses special words like 'cher,' 'Maman,' and 'de.' How did reading these words make the story feel different from other versions of Jack and the Beanstalk?
4
Jacques took a hen, money, and a harp from the giant. Do you think it was okay for him to take things that weren't his? Why or why not?
