Jim and the Beanstalk

Briggs, R. (1970). Jim and the Beanstalk. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.

Brief Annotation: In this continuation of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jim finds the beanstalk growing outside his window and decides to explore. He discovers a giant living inside a great castle but the giant is old and is in need of glasses, new teeth and a wig! Jim helps the giant, receives a gold coin for his troubles and makes a new friend along the way.

Genre: Folklore

Grade Level: K through Grade 3

Readers who will like this: Children who like folktales, children who would benefit from a story about friendship, children who enjoyed the original Jack and the Beanstalk folktale

Response/Rating (1-4): 4, In this version of the classic story, the character of Jim explains to the giant that glasses will help him see again, teeth will help him chew again and a wig will allow him to feel young again. By helping the giant obtain these items, they become friends. The story continues where the original version ended, as the giant tells Jim that Jack ran away with his prized possessions, leaving him a sad man. Children who have heard the original version would enjoy this continuation and benefit by seeing the kindness of helping another.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever helped a friend or family member in need? What did you do?