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Jack the Giant Killer
"Jack the Giant Killer" is a British fairy tale about a plucky lad who slays a number of giants during King Arthur's reign. The tale is characterized by violence, gore, and blood-letting. Giants are prominent in Cornish folklore and Welsh Bardic lore, but the source of "Jack the Giant Killer" is unknown. Some parallels to elements and incidents in Norse mythology have been detected in the tale, and the trappings of Jack's last adventure with the giant Galigantus suggest parallels with French fairy tales. Jack's belt is similar to the belt in "The Valiant Little Tailor", and his magical sword, shoes, cap, and cloak are similar to those owned by Tom Thumb or those found in Norse mythology.
Neither Jack or his tale are referenced in English literature prior to the eighteenth century, and his story did not appear in print until 1711. It is probable an enterprising publisher assembled a number of anecdotes about giants to form the 1711 tale. One scholar speculates the public had grown weary of King Arthur – the greatest of all giant killers – and Jack was created to fill his shoes. Henry Fielding, John Newbery, Dr. Johnson, Boswell, and William Cowper were familiar with the tale.
Jack the Giant-Killer
I
When good King Arthur reigned with Guinevere his Queen, there lived, near the Land's End in Cornwall, a farmer who had one only son called Jack. Now Jack was brisk and ready; of such a lively wit that none nor nothing could worst him.
In those days, the Mount of St. Michael in Cornwall was the fastness of a huge giant whose name was Cormoran.
He was full eighteen feet in height, some three yards about his middle, of a grim fierce face, and he was the terror of all the country-side. He lived in a cave amidst the rocky Mount, and when he desired victuals he would wade across the tides to the mainland and furnish himself forth with all that came in his way. The poor folk and the rich folk alike ran out of their houses and hid themselves when they heard the swish-swash of his big feet in the water; for if he saw them, he would think nothing of broiling half-a-dozen or so of them for breakfast. As it was, he seized their cattle by the score, carrying off half-a-dozen fat oxen on his back at a time, and hanging sheep and pigs to his waist belt like bunches of dip-candles. Now this had gone on for long years, and the poor folk of Cornwall were in despair, for none could put an end to the giant Cormoran.....
Neither Jack or his tale are referenced in English literature prior to the eighteenth century, and his story did not appear in print until 1711. It is probable an enterprising publisher assembled a number of anecdotes about giants to form the 1711 tale. One scholar speculates the public had grown weary of King Arthur – the greatest of all giant killers – and Jack was created to fill his shoes. Henry Fielding, John Newbery, Dr. Johnson, Boswell, and William Cowper were familiar with the tale.
Jack the Giant-Killer
I
When good King Arthur reigned with Guinevere his Queen, there lived, near the Land's End in Cornwall, a farmer who had one only son called Jack. Now Jack was brisk and ready; of such a lively wit that none nor nothing could worst him.
In those days, the Mount of St. Michael in Cornwall was the fastness of a huge giant whose name was Cormoran.
He was full eighteen feet in height, some three yards about his middle, of a grim fierce face, and he was the terror of all the country-side. He lived in a cave amidst the rocky Mount, and when he desired victuals he would wade across the tides to the mainland and furnish himself forth with all that came in his way. The poor folk and the rich folk alike ran out of their houses and hid themselves when they heard the swish-swash of his big feet in the water; for if he saw them, he would think nothing of broiling half-a-dozen or so of them for breakfast. As it was, he seized their cattle by the score, carrying off half-a-dozen fat oxen on his back at a time, and hanging sheep and pigs to his waist belt like bunches of dip-candles. Now this had gone on for long years, and the poor folk of Cornwall were in despair, for none could put an end to the giant Cormoran.....
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1965
About the author
Flora Annie Steel
147 books12 followersFlora Annie Steel was an English writer. She was the daughter of George Webster. In 1867 she married Henry William Steel, a member of the Indian civil service, and for the next twenty-two years lived in India, chiefly in the Punjab, with which most of her books are connected.
When her husband's health was weak, Flora Annie Steel looked after some of his responsibilities. She acted as school inspector and mediator in local arguments.
She was interested in relating to all classes of Indian society. The birth of her daughter gave her a chance to interact with local women and learn their language.
She encouraged the production of local handicrafts and collected folk-tales, a collection of which she published in 1884.
Her interest in schools and the education of women gave her a special insight into native life and character. A year before leaving India, she co-authored and published The Complete Indian Housekeeper, giving detailed directions to European women on all aspects of household management in India.
In 1889 the family moved back to Scotland, and she continued her writing there.
When her husband's health was weak, Flora Annie Steel looked after some of his responsibilities. She acted as school inspector and mediator in local arguments.
She was interested in relating to all classes of Indian society. The birth of her daughter gave her a chance to interact with local women and learn their language.
She encouraged the production of local handicrafts and collected folk-tales, a collection of which she published in 1884.
Her interest in schools and the education of women gave her a special insight into native life and character. A year before leaving India, she co-authored and published The Complete Indian Housekeeper, giving detailed directions to European women on all aspects of household management in India.
In 1889 the family moved back to Scotland, and she continued her writing there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 29, 2019
You know the classic story with the Jack, the beanstalk, the giant and the goose with the gold eggs. This version does not have a worth mentioned twist.
The illustrations though are interesting and modern. I loved the colour selection.
The illustrations though are interesting and modern. I loved the colour selection.
June 29, 2023
Jack and the Beanstalk is a traditional tale about thriving in the face of adversity. Although the story offers some moral quandaries in the form of theft, we cannot help but sympathise with Jack due to his and his mothers misfortune and admire his bravery and resilience as he aims to cease their suffering.
Jack makes the best of a difficult situation and seize an opportunity when it presents itself. He disobeys his mother by selling the cow for beans instead of money which he later plants in the garden. Through the night the beans germinated and grows into a beanstalk that far surpasses the house and into the clouds. He climbs the beanstalk and arrives at the giant's home, from which he steals the a golden egg laying hen to secure a prosperous future for his mother and himself.
This book captures the imagination of the children and can bring about some moral lessons for the children that can be debated and discussed within the class. Weighing up whether Jack was right to behave in the way he did and were his motivations just.
Jack makes the best of a difficult situation and seize an opportunity when it presents itself. He disobeys his mother by selling the cow for beans instead of money which he later plants in the garden. Through the night the beans germinated and grows into a beanstalk that far surpasses the house and into the clouds. He climbs the beanstalk and arrives at the giant's home, from which he steals the a golden egg laying hen to secure a prosperous future for his mother and himself.
This book captures the imagination of the children and can bring about some moral lessons for the children that can be debated and discussed within the class. Weighing up whether Jack was right to behave in the way he did and were his motivations just.
September 30, 2017
Jack and the Beanstalk is an English Folklore written by Richard Walker and Illustrated by Niamh Sharkey. This book is intended for readers ages four to seven. Jack and the Beanstalk is a well known tale of a poor farm boy and his mother who obtains magic beans. Jack is a curious kid that does not pass up the opportunity to venture up the beanstalk. This book is the tale of the series of events that follow his excursion. This specific book came along with a story time CD so you can listen as you follow along with the book. Having the CD enhanced the story by providing unique voices to each character. Along with the CD Niamh Sharkley, the books Illustrator did a beautiful job of providing bold colored pictures to draw the reader in. The author did a great job of describing in great detail the events that were taking place, so much so I could envision each and every scene with my eyes closed. I give this book a rating of five out of five because it really drew me in. I also read this book to my nephew who is four and he absolutely love it! He though it was very exciting the thought of magic beans and he often stopped me reading to point out the pictures and talk about what he saw. Overall this is a great book that I would keep on my classroom bookshelf.
September 14, 2017
Jack and the Beanstalk by Richard Walker is a classic, childlike tale. When Jack and his mother run out of food, Jack has to sell their cow in exchange for money. Instead, Jack comes across and funny little man that trades him magic beans for the cow. Out of anger, Jack's mother throws the magic beans outside and before they knew it, there was a beanstalk outside their window. The book is illustrated very well, but as for the writing part...it could be a bit confusing for children. I'd recommend teacher's reading this to their students only because there is some old-style grammar in the text which could frustrate beginning readers. I enjoyed this book very much because it has a lot of lessons to offer!
Fairy Tale book (suitable for any age 0-8)
Fairy Tale book (suitable for any age 0-8)
May 8, 2017
You know the story and it really depends on the art work of how good the book will rate. A couple of the pictures it made the boy look like a girl, which my boys kept trying to tell me it was a girl. They also asked why was Jack stealing the money...good point...
September 17, 2017
I like the differing kinds of textures used to illustrate in this book.
March 16, 2018
Fee-fi-fo-fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Be he alive, or be he dead
I'll grind his bones to make my bread.
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Be he alive, or be he dead
I'll grind his bones to make my bread.
January 22, 2020
Great read aloud book with lovely illustrations!
March 23, 2020
This is takes the traditional story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" and gives it a twist. It is a fun version with nice illustrations.
August 3, 2020
Facebook LIVE 2020. Classic retelling but perfect for modern audiences.
March 26, 2021
the traditional story of jack and the beanstalk with a slight twist to the ending.
March 6, 2023
I'm having a hard time accessing the whole story.
February 28, 2025
O João e a mãe têm muita fome, mas não têm dinheiro para comprar comida.
Têm apenas uma vaca e decidem vendê-la para arranjar o tão necessário dinheiro.
O João vai trocar a vaca por feijões mágicos. Mas será essa uma boa troca? Então e o dinheiro para comprar comida?
E a magia, será que é mesmo real?
Uma aventura deliciosa, tão bem conhecida de todos, mas que não passa nem pode passar ao esquecimento.
Têm apenas uma vaca e decidem vendê-la para arranjar o tão necessário dinheiro.
O João vai trocar a vaca por feijões mágicos. Mas será essa uma boa troca? Então e o dinheiro para comprar comida?
E a magia, será que é mesmo real?
Uma aventura deliciosa, tão bem conhecida de todos, mas que não passa nem pode passar ao esquecimento.
August 28, 2012
A retold version based on the traditional folk tale of 'Jack and the beanstalk'.this story is about a boy named Jack.One day he was sent out to the market by his mother to sell their cow,their only last possession and any sort of income.Jack by all means listened to the instructions of his mother and set off.On his travels he meets a funny little man.a man wearing big,baggy jacket with big,baggy pockets.In that pocket contained some precious 'magic beans'.The funny,strange man offered him to trade the cow for those beans.The man had lost instruction for the magic beans but definitely remembers something magical about them.Jack accepts the offer and carries them in his pocket back to his house.When mother finds out she is reasonably angry. after all he was supposed to get some money in return and not some beans.Well jack tried telling his mother that they weren't just any beans but magic beans.His mother in her angered moments threw them out the window.Jack mother was furious,she now had no cow,no money to live on.Jacks adventure begins as the tiny beans turn into large beanstalk where he meets the not so friendly GIANT.Jack and the Giant go through a lot of playful adventure and eventually Jack is saved from the giant and much richer too.
The illustrations used in this version are excellent, colourful and presented in earthy pastel colours with detailed background.the characters are full of life and humour.The author writes this this version in a very whimsical style.The author portrays Jack as a good -hearted boy who uses his quick thinking skills for good opportunities.
A good story as a whole and wonderfully written.This can be used for many occasions in the classroom,the story can be used for children to create their own versions,can be used in creating a play and making props.This book can also be used for many discussions amongst thee class based on the themes of opportunities,good listening,stealing, thief and being able to know what's right and wrong.
The illustrations used in this version are excellent, colourful and presented in earthy pastel colours with detailed background.the characters are full of life and humour.The author writes this this version in a very whimsical style.The author portrays Jack as a good -hearted boy who uses his quick thinking skills for good opportunities.
A good story as a whole and wonderfully written.This can be used for many occasions in the classroom,the story can be used for children to create their own versions,can be used in creating a play and making props.This book can also be used for many discussions amongst thee class based on the themes of opportunities,good listening,stealing, thief and being able to know what's right and wrong.
October 27, 2011
Jack and the Beanstalk by Richard Walker was a great book. This book was retelling the story of the original Jack and the Beanstalk. The tale of a boy who climbed to the top of a magic beanstalk to escaped from a giant. I had not read this book before now but when I was little I read the original tale of Jack and the Beanstalk and loved it. The genre of the book Jack and the Beanstalk is folklore. This book is probably best for ages 6 and up.
I thought the illustrations could have been a little better but young readers could probably use their imaginations better than I can. There were two main characters. The number one main character was obviously the boy and then it was the Giant. The Giant wasn’t really scary looking, just “Giant.” There was no texture in the illustrations. I thought that if this book had texture it would really help the reader out. The language was good for young readers. I thought it was the right amount of words and use of words. I think this would have been a fun and interesting book for young readers to read.
I thought the illustrations could have been a little better but young readers could probably use their imaginations better than I can. There were two main characters. The number one main character was obviously the boy and then it was the Giant. The Giant wasn’t really scary looking, just “Giant.” There was no texture in the illustrations. I thought that if this book had texture it would really help the reader out. The language was good for young readers. I thought it was the right amount of words and use of words. I think this would have been a fun and interesting book for young readers to read.
January 25, 2012
With the cupboards being empty, Jack's mother reluctantly sends jack to town to sell their beloved cow, Daisy. Jack returns with 6 minuscule beans. Magic beans to be exact. Frustrated, Jack's mother tosses the beans outside. They both go to bed miserable and hungry. The magic beans gro sky high, and into the land of the clouds. An elderly woman offers to feed him, giant stomps, "FEE, FI, FO, FUM!", and a geese lays golden eggs.
Richard Walker's humorous version of this classic tale is a breathe of fresh air. Niamh Sharkey's illustrations are creative and unique, and a great replacement for the traditional images that accompany this story.
Richard Walker's humorous version of this classic tale is a breathe of fresh air. Niamh Sharkey's illustrations are creative and unique, and a great replacement for the traditional images that accompany this story.
October 11, 2012
This is another fairy tale classic. But there is so many adaptions done of it and different version that I have become a little bored with the story and felt like it has been widely overdone. All of the stories are basically the same though. Jack sells his cow for magic beans and a stalk grows to the sky where a castle of giants live and Jack steals from them. I hope it teaches kids not to steal but it makes it look like stealing is beneficial. I would recommend this book for ages 4 and up. Hopefully generations to come find some sort of new found appreciation for Jack and the Beanstalk.
April 22, 2013
Pretty traditional telling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack really comes off as the villain in this one. The giant's wife wasn't in the other tellings I've read, but she is the one who shelters Jack from her husband in this. She's kind to Jack, but he keeps robbing the giants. Sure, the giant husband eats people, but the giant wife seems like a nice giant. Jack, on the other hand, is greedy and gets away with everything. He ends up rich and happy for his greed. Not exactly a great message to be learned from this.
May 1, 2020
It's not a bad retelling, but unfortunately, the flaws in the story are still too obvious. I can sympathize with Jack on his first trip, (I'll accept stealing when you're desperate) But how exactly did Jack and his mother run through a giant sized bag of gold that quickly? So he returns, abuses the Giant wife's hospitality again, and steals the hen. His financial issues are solved, but he still goes up to steal again, because why not? Oh, and let's kill the giant who is trying to retrieve the magic harp that is calling out for his help, while we're at it.
April 20, 2010
This version intrigues me because of its jewel-toned color palette and Tim Burton-esque (think Nightmare Before Christmas) illustrations - so different from the typical greens and browns and realistically drawn scenes in most Jack books. But the story is chopped up - Jack only visits the giant once, with the goose and the wife following him back down the beanstalk and the giant soaring into space. Eh.
October 8, 2018
Early Primary (K-1)
Traditional Literature
I liked this book, I'm not sure it'll be my favorite book that I have ever read but it wasn't the worst. I have never actually read the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk before, and was surprised to find the circumstances under which he received the beans. I also never knew the entire premise of the book was that Jack and his mother stole to become rich. It's an interesting idea that this book/tale is intended for children.
Traditional Literature
I liked this book, I'm not sure it'll be my favorite book that I have ever read but it wasn't the worst. I have never actually read the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk before, and was surprised to find the circumstances under which he received the beans. I also never knew the entire premise of the book was that Jack and his mother stole to become rich. It's an interesting idea that this book/tale is intended for children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2012
This is the age old tale, told again, and rather well.
However, something about the illustrations "cheapened" it.
Not in moral terms, but...they did not add to the story in a way which was appealing to me.
Perhaps, because the characters' faces seemed distorted, as if seen through a fish-eye lens.
Why would that bother me...?
No idea.
However, something about the illustrations "cheapened" it.
Not in moral terms, but...they did not add to the story in a way which was appealing to me.
Perhaps, because the characters' faces seemed distorted, as if seen through a fish-eye lens.
Why would that bother me...?
No idea.
April 12, 2010
You can now listen to this story via the Barefoot Books Podcast.
February 15, 2011
This book is an excellent version of the Jack and the Beanstalk story. I have a Jack marionette and beanstalk which was created during my art class. They can be used together to create a great reading experience for 1st-4th grade.
May 8, 2024
Jack and the Beanstalk (Paperback)
by Matt Faulkner
a beautiful rendition of the old story of jack and the beanstalk
by Matt Faulkner
a beautiful rendition of the old story of jack and the beanstalk
April 8, 2013
This is a great retell of the classic story.The strength of this book are the illustrations. This book would be great for ages 3 and up.
December 17, 2012
This was a good book. I liked how they added to a story that we all know so well. The illustrations were so cute and creative.
January 13, 2013
A complete, engaging version of the fairy tale with engaging illustrations. I would wait until elementary school-age due to potentially scary thematic elements.
April 3, 2013
I did like the illustrations. The story was ok but didn't flow very well.
August 5, 2013
Great illustrations and I think Phoenix basically likes it. We purchased it from barefoot books with the cd do I make sure she listens to it occasionally.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews