The Thief and the Beanstalk

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the simplicity of fairy tales or is struggling with the pressure of making the right choice under stress. This dark, imaginative sequel to Jack and the Beanstalk follows Nick, a young thief who discovers that the original hero may have left behind a legacy of guilt and unintended consequences. As Nick climbs the beanstalk to return a stolen treasure, he must navigate a world of decaying magic and ancient monsters. It is a sophisticated middle grade adventure that explores the nuance of justice and the courage required to fix mistakes that are not entirely your own. Parents will appreciate the way it elevates a classic story into a meditation on character and redemption, making it a perfect bridge for readers moving from simple fables to complex fantasy novels.