MEDIA

Jack: The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk

by Liesl SHURTLIFF

7 CDs. 7:58 hrs. Listening Library. 2015. $45. ISBN 9780553551259. digital download.

COPY ISBN

Gr 3–7—Jack is a prankster who takes nothing seriously until his papa is snatched up by giants. Jack climbs the famous beanstalk and discovers a land where he and his kind are considered elves and giants are regular folk. Narrator Bruce Mann uses pitch, volume, and intonation to fill Jack's voice with angst while mixing it with wonder at the everyday items such as spoons and shoes that are now big enough for him to play on or reside in. Jack makes many friends, some of whom are "elves" like himself, while others are kindhearted giants like Martha "King Barth's" royal cook. Mann easily transitions between voices, and his female vocalizations, including Martha and Jack's little sister, Annabella, are pitched perfectly. His thoughtful narration captures the whimsy and charm of the story.

VERDICT Sure to be popular for family road trips and embraced by listeners of all ages.

Reviewed by Shari Fesko, Southfield Public Library, MI , Jul 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:

Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

Fill out the form or Login / Register to comment:

(All fields required)

First Name should not be empty !!!

Last Name should not be empty !!!

email should not be empty !!!

Comment should not be empty !!!

Please check the reCaptcha

Comment should not be empty !!!

CONTINUE READING?

Non - Subscribers

Subscribers

BLOGS

Take Five: Debut Middle Grade Authors

by Amanda MacGregor

BLOGS

The Chambered Nautilus: How A Small Idea Played a Big Role in the Plot for the Third Book in my Middle Grade Trilogy, a guest post by Laura Segal Stegman

by Amanda MacGregor

BLOGS

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing