Review Detail

P. W. Catanese's first novel is a continuation of the old favorite Jack and the Beanstalk. Years after the original story takes place, Jack is now a rich old man. His legendary exploits are just that the stuff of legends. He lives a quiet life. Nick, on the other hand, is an orphan barely able to keep himself fed.

He falls in with a bloodthirsty band of thieves who are out to rob Jack of all his money. With no choice but to do what they say, young Nick breaks into Jack's house in order to let the other thieves in. However, he's caught in the act and surprisingly, let go with a gift of magic beans from Jack.

Readers won't be surprised that Nick plants the beans, or goes up the beanstalk. He's a desperate kid. He finds that some things up above have changed, while others have stayed the same. The original evil Giant's sons are now the rulers of the roost and the kindly Giant's wife is their prisoner. The question is&will Nick follow in Jack's footsteps and steal his way to a fortune, or will he choose another path?

Full of ugly rat-faced giants, terrifying spiders with a thirst for human blood, and thieves that would as soon cut your head off as talk to you, this is a story to keep you on your toes. But, it's also a story with a great heart. We learn how Jack's early thievery has colored everything else in his life and the regret he feels over leaving the Giant's wife behind. We also see Nick fighting with himself internally over what kind of person he is.

I recommend this book for ages 8 and up. Those on the younger end may want to read this book with a parent due to some scary scenes, but if they can handle Harry Potter or the like, they'll be fine here too. I very much enjoyed Catanese's story it stays true to the original, but also forges new ground. I think you'll like it too.

Don't forget to enter to win a copy during May 2005.