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Stinky's Stories #2
Jack and the Beanstink
Fee, fi, fo, FUN!
It’s story time again at Hickleberry Elementary with Stinky the stuffed skunk—and this time the class is reading the classic Jack and the Beanstalk! Everyone knows the story ends with the giant falling from the sky, but only Stinky knows what happened next! Jack went on to sell all those golden eggs and become a billionaire, while Hubert the giant wound up stranded on the ground, far from home.
With no one to help him and nowhere to turn, Hubert has no choice but to put his giant skills to work where they're valued the most—on the basketball court! He joins the Droolville Dribblers, but will Hubert sink the buzzer beater and find his way home?
This second stinky story is the first-ever chapter book series from beloved New York Times bestselling authors Chris and J. J. Grabenstein, filled with page after page of hilarious illustrations by acclaimed artist Alex Patrick. Stinky's Stories is the perfect series for young, reluctant, and emergent readers—or any kid who just loves to laugh.
It’s story time again at Hickleberry Elementary with Stinky the stuffed skunk—and this time the class is reading the classic Jack and the Beanstalk! Everyone knows the story ends with the giant falling from the sky, but only Stinky knows what happened next! Jack went on to sell all those golden eggs and become a billionaire, while Hubert the giant wound up stranded on the ground, far from home.
With no one to help him and nowhere to turn, Hubert has no choice but to put his giant skills to work where they're valued the most—on the basketball court! He joins the Droolville Dribblers, but will Hubert sink the buzzer beater and find his way home?
This second stinky story is the first-ever chapter book series from beloved New York Times bestselling authors Chris and J. J. Grabenstein, filled with page after page of hilarious illustrations by acclaimed artist Alex Patrick. Stinky's Stories is the perfect series for young, reluctant, and emergent readers—or any kid who just loves to laugh.
96 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
About the author
Chris Grabenstein
137 books2,466 followersCHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 13, 2024
Stinky the library skunk helps the kids to create a new ending to Jack and the Beanstalk. There’s basketball and pizza and even a dinosaur.
June 13, 2025
Vance “I liked the stinky skunk and Hubert and I liked the bean made him get to his mom and his mom went to the basketball game. I liked when the skunk sprayed his stinky smell.”
Simon “I liked the T. rex”
Simon “I liked the T. rex”
September 28, 2024
What worked:
The book allows readers to use their imaginations as it presents another version of a familiar fairy tale. Many of these stories take on a whole new meaning if they’re considered from a different point of view. What if the giant is considered a victim? Jack sneaks into his home, steals his stuff, and is injured when Jack cuts down the beanstalk. Is it right to let Jack get away with his crime while the giant is killed in the fall? The characters in this book think not so the story continues by assuming the giant survives.
Stinky is a stuffed toy skunk sitting atop a library shelf. He can talk to children, along with several other stuffed friends, as long as there are no adults around to hear. Apparently, the librarian is aware of Stinky’s ability as she winks at him before leaving the room. Stinky injects himself into the fairy tale to create alternate endings to them. He encourages the children in the library, and those reading this book, to use their creativity as his new version moves along. One child recalls a detail that helps Stinky bring this story to a happy ending for the giant.
What didn’t work as well:
The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 6 and up but I’d bump that up a year or two. The story includes wordplay and humor that kindergarten and first graders might not understand. However, they’ll like the numerous illustrations on almost every page.
The final verdict:
This book is perfect for young and emerging readers as it begins with a familiar story. Using humor, pictures, and short chapters helps to make it more accessible for students learning to read. I recommend this book for ages 7-10 or older readers looking for a funny story to read quickly.
The book allows readers to use their imaginations as it presents another version of a familiar fairy tale. Many of these stories take on a whole new meaning if they’re considered from a different point of view. What if the giant is considered a victim? Jack sneaks into his home, steals his stuff, and is injured when Jack cuts down the beanstalk. Is it right to let Jack get away with his crime while the giant is killed in the fall? The characters in this book think not so the story continues by assuming the giant survives.
Stinky is a stuffed toy skunk sitting atop a library shelf. He can talk to children, along with several other stuffed friends, as long as there are no adults around to hear. Apparently, the librarian is aware of Stinky’s ability as she winks at him before leaving the room. Stinky injects himself into the fairy tale to create alternate endings to them. He encourages the children in the library, and those reading this book, to use their creativity as his new version moves along. One child recalls a detail that helps Stinky bring this story to a happy ending for the giant.
What didn’t work as well:
The Amazon listing indicates this book is for ages 6 and up but I’d bump that up a year or two. The story includes wordplay and humor that kindergarten and first graders might not understand. However, they’ll like the numerous illustrations on almost every page.
The final verdict:
This book is perfect for young and emerging readers as it begins with a familiar story. Using humor, pictures, and short chapters helps to make it more accessible for students learning to read. I recommend this book for ages 7-10 or older readers looking for a funny story to read quickly.
January 15, 2026
This book has an interesting premise, but it was suuuch a disappointing read. The idea that a story does not have to finish when you close the book is enticing to readers of all ages, but the way in which the authors go about it is disheartening. Jack is no longer a naive child looking to survive. Instead he is this sort of money grabbing maniac who wants wealth, fame etc. I would have been fine with this interpretation if what followed was a passable story, but unfortunately what follows is a bunch of crap held together by superglue.
December 14, 2024
Stinky and his friends are back for another library story time. Mrs. Emerson just finished Jack and the Beanstalk, and the kids don't like the ending. Stinky uses his imagination to tell what happened after the first story ended. He spins a tale of a spoiled little boy (Jack) making life miserable for a kind giant (Hubert). Hubert finds a new home and fits in until Jack arrives and cheats again. The ending is sweet and everyone finds their happy ever after.
December 5, 2025
Check out my podcast Revisions, How Our Favorite Books Change Us to hear my interview with author Chris Grabenstein where we're talk about his favorite reads growing up, especially MAD Magazine!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews