It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk

It's Not a Fairy Tale #1

by Josh Funk, Edwardian Taylor (Illustrator)

Jack is not fond of the bossy narrator of his fairy tale! When Jack is told to trade his beloved cow Bessie for some magic beans, throw the beans out the window, climb the ENORMOUS beanstalk that sprouts overnight, and steal from a GIANT, he decides this fairy tale is getting out of control. In fact, he doesn’t want to follow the story line at all. Who says Jack needs to enter a life of daring, thievery, and giant trickery? He takes his story into his own hands—and you’ll never guess what happens next!

With laugh-out-loud dialogue and bold, playful art (including hidden fairy tale creatures for kids to find), this Jack and the Beanstalk retelling will have children rolling with laughter till Bessie the cow comes home.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Fiction, Fantasy, Fractured Fairy Tales

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 2017

About the author

Josh Funk is the author of the Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, the How to Code with Pearl and Pascal series, Dear Unicorn, Dear Dragon, My Pet Feet, the It's Not a Fairy Tale series, Lost in the Library and more. His books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide and been translated into a dozen languages.

Josh grew up in New England and studied Computer Science in school. Today, he still lives in New England and when not writing Java code or Python scripts, he drinks Java coffee and writes manuscripts. Since the fall of 2015, Josh has presented (or virtually presented) at over 850 schools, classrooms, and libraries.

Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys _______ during ________ and has always loved __________. He has played ____________ since age __ and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a __________.

For more about Josh Funk, visit joshfunkbooks.com and at @joshfunkbooks on socials.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

While many may be familiar with the story, Jack has decided to hijack the narrative and steer things in his own direction. He protests the beans, the beanstalk, and violence with the Giant (Fred, by name). Instead, Jack pesters the narrator to allow him full control of the story, which has an interesting ending. Neo laughed throughout this story and hopes that I can find some more tales where the characters protest the traditional version.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and a MUST have for the library and any fairy tale unit!!

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy - all opinions are my own.

This remix of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk story will be a perfect addition to my fractured fairy tale collection in my library and is a guaranteed read aloud for my 4th graders during their fairy tale unit. I love that the format is more complex than most storybooks and requires understanding/discussion of the role of the narrator versus that of the participants in the story. I will definitely preface my read alouds with a discussion of the structure of the book and use a pointer as I am reading to highlight the speech bubbles, etc.

Another hit picture book from Josh Funk - can't wait to add it to my library!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I’m FINALLY writing the review for this book which is long overdue. And I’m not gonna lie, I think Josh Funk is da bomb and he also asked me and a bunch of my nerdy friends to help him on the book trailer for this book, so I’m sort of biased.

With that said, this book is fantastic. So much great humor, and fun for both kids and adults. My students were laughing out loud when we read this book together. It was a blast. And let’s face it, any book with a character in his underwear and saying beans make him toot is going to cause rolling on the floor laughter, which I fully encourage. I can’t wait for Josh’s next book! He never disappoints.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Josh Funk & Amazon Publishing for sharing this ARC w/ #kidlitexchange! All opinions are my own.

Fantastic and fun! I can already hear my students giggling as Jack argues his way through the story. The style mirrors techniques used in the ever-popular Mo Willems stories, guaranteeing success amongst its readers. An absolute purchase for all libraries and a MUST read aloud this fall!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor narrator. He tries so hard to tell the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk story, but Jack just won't cooperate, and he complains the whole way, first about selling his cow, then about climbing the beanstalk, and finally refusing to rob the giant. And then to top it all off, he gives away the ending of the story. In frustration, the narrator tries to end the story, but naturally Jack doesn't let him have his way. Funk and Taylor have created a thoroughly amusing fractured telling of Jack and the Beanstalk. And they've thrown in Cinderella to boot. This is another fun retelling for me to add to my growing collection. It's fun to compare original fairy tales with fractured ones. And when the illustrations complement the humor as well as these do, well that is icing on the cake.

[معصومه توکلی · Rating 3 out of 5]

عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: این داستان جک و لوبیای سحرآمیز نیست!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Added July 9, 2017: Having now gotten to see the final version of this book, I think I love it even more. It's creative, unexpected, and hilarious. It left me laughing, and I'm sure kids will be cracking up also at the snarkiness of Jack as he responds to the narrator and questions how the story is going. A fantastic addition to a fractured fairy tales collection or unit, or as a mentor text for looking at dialogue and narration. LOVE!

July 8, 2015: Got to hear the author read the manuscript of the text. Even without the illustrations, I was chuckling to myself and highly entertained by the metacognitive narrative elements and Jack's attitude in this fractured tale. Can not wait to see a finished copy and share with students!!

[Kellee Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=1...

Trent loves the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. They must read it at his school because he knew the whole story, and I think it is hilarious that he argues with me about what is happening in the book. We’ve talked about how this is a different Jack story but he, like the narrator, just really wants Jack to do what he is supposed to. I love the way that Josh Funk has broken the 4th wall and has the narrator talk to the characters; it is such a unique way to twist the fairy tale and makes it so hilarious. I look forward to reading this to Trent and students for many years!

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny! Our kids loved it! It is the perfect book to use for reader's theater.

[V]

V's Review

Jack weighs in as a narrator retells the fairy tale.

In this comedic rendition, speech bubbles show characters' incredulity as the story unfolds. Imagine Jack giving the vegan giant tips on his rhymes, and an exasperated narrator who can't get his characters to behave as expected. Probably more smirk-inducing for parents; children without a complete grasp of the original version may miss the humor.

T's Review
(age 3 years)

V: Was it a fun, silly book?

T: No. It has a giant who wants to eat the boy.

T's Dad: In the end did the giant want to eat the boy? What did you think about that?

T: They becomeded friends. I think that was neat.

V: What did they cook? They made a taco bowl? I know someone who makes those!

T: T!

V: What would you do if you met the giant?

T: Eat a taco bowl with him.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those readers that think they know how Jack and the Beanstalk goes, think again! This fun fractured fairy tale shows what happens when the main character of your story is uncooperative and takes over! From the start, Jack wants to do things his own way and kids will have a great time reading to find out where he takes this story. Fractured fairy tales have always been very popular with my students, and this book could serve as a great mentor text for taking traditional stories and giving them a new twist. The detailed, colorful digital illustrations have the added fun of favorite fairy tale friends sprinkled throughout the book. I found myself going back and forth through the pages and feeling mighty clever each time I found a new one! This is definitely a book for every bookshelf!

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you have kids, or just an adult kid like me ... please check these reads out ... on Kindle Unlimited: Mr. Funk ... just amazing ... i am rating book 2 a bit better ... 'cause i love the pink ... so girlie fun!!
Edwardian Taylor (illustrator)
genius!! i am totally a big kid at heart ... these drawings - doodles (all respect there) are just amazing ... so short but so kid friendly ...they will love it ... amazing to the eyes. well done. first read his it's not hansel and gretel - saw that it was book 2 and had to see the book 1 ... so glad i did ... both are just beyond genius and so need to be seen!! u will be blow away about this talent and creativity. well done!! loved it! ( ; these books are amazing ... if u want something 2 eye drool over!

[Robin Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so much about this book! My almost 6yo and 3yo both requested multiple reads. It turns a violent traditional tail into a story of witty humor, kindness and a theme of going against the norm to do what feels right for you. Vegan friendly and anti-murdering giants. Some of the humor will be lost on the younger ones but makes it a great book for several ages to enjoy at once. The art work is bright, eye catching with fun and clever details.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight of a read, this story is so brilliant and fun. It is fun as a read aloud and a delight to read alone. I read it a few times and laughed each time. The illustrations are bright, funny and add so much to this richly written story. Kids and and adult alike are going to love this book. A must for the classroom and home library.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack is reluctant to carry out the story as the narrator is telling it. After all, why throw the beans out of the window if you're hungry. And how can you climb a beanstalk without climbing gear? And seriously? You want me to walk into a giant's house? I'd rather go to Cinderella's party.

A lively retelling of the classic fairy tale with a sassy Jack and humorous illustrations.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute--as a fractured fairy tale. Bright cartoon-like illustrations. But MANY students do not know original fairy tales and therefore the majority of the humor would be lost on them. Be sure to read a good version of the original tale before reading the variation. Good for learning about voice, conversation bubbles, and re-tellings.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Jack gets sassy with the narrator. This is destined to be a classic fractured fairy tale.

[Sarah Krajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh-out-loud funny! My son and daughter gave this book "50 million stars."

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk where the characters interact with the storyteller and change the story as they go. Quite amusing.

[Starbubbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good!

This was pretty good. Not as good as hanzel and gretel, but still really cute and colorful. I like the bean restaurant at the end. I need that taco salad recipe!

This ebook is NOT compatible with the Kindle Paperwhite. It does work in the phone app though.

[Meg McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I have read this story!

I liked it even better!

If there is one fractured version, you read for the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk tale, this is THE ONE!

This story had me laughing so hard, that I just couldn't stop!

I am definitely looking for more by this author and illustrator!

My favorite picture, is at the end, where all the fairy tale characters are eating at the restaurant called, Where Have You Bean? It was so much fun, finding characters from beloved stories!

Hands down, this is the favorite book I have read this entire year!

I am going to buy it for my collection!

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review online at http://missmageesreads.com/.

What would happen if fairytale characters didn’t listen to the narrator? That’s the question Josh Funk explores in his new book, It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk. This hilarious, inventive new take on a classic will keep kids laughing out loud. When the narrator starts the story, Jack doesn’t exactly cooperate. He doesn’t want to get up in the morning, doesn’t want to throw the beans out the window, and especially doesn’t want to start climbing. If Jack doesn’t do what the narrator says, will it change the end of the story?

My students are big fans of fractured fairy tales. They love rooting for characters who may not have been heroes the first time around. I know they’ll love this book, where the giant is a little different than they might remember. They’ll also enjoy the playful illustrations by Edwardian Taylor, which just add comedy to an already hilarious tale.

It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk will be released on September 19th, 2017 by Two Lions.

Huge thanks to Josh Funk for sharing a copy of It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk with our #bookexcursion group! #bookexcursion is a group of nine educators who read and share new children’s and middle grade titles.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack is not pleased with the narrator of this story who tells him to do things he would prefer not to like sell his cow, throw away the magic beans he got for the cow, and climb the beanstalk that will lead him to a giant's castle.

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk was a fun twist on the classic fairy tale told from the perspective of the narrator with input from all the characters. The narrator isn't thrilled with the input which makes for a hilarious retelling of the story. Josh breaks away from his rhyming schemes to make this engaging and entertaining tale come to life. Edwardian Taylor does an amazing job with illustrations and brining out the details of the story. You won't want to miss this one from Funk!

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sort of fractured fairy tale that you wouldn't read to your 2 year old, or for that matter probably your 3 year old. But your older preschoolers and early elementary kids will cackle, and would cackle even if there were a few mild jokes of the sort boys love--as in "Beans make me toot." The illustrations are by another artist of the sort who has spent a lot of time in contemporary kids animation-- I knew that even before I checked the credits. Certainly not a book that the awards committees will put on their short lists--or their long lists--but just the sort of book kids really enjoy.

[Matthew Winner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Woah! It's a good thing I didn't eat those beans!" This book is HILARIOUS and gives voice to an entirely different perspective of the story: Jack's! Can't wait to share with readers this school year!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story! It will work great for K-2nd grade. Super funny, great rhythm, nice illustrations. Can't wait to read this aloud.

[Heidi Guth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s NOT Jack and the Beanstalk” is a hilarious and contemporary take on the classic fairytale, “Jack and the Beanstalk”. There is a narrator recounting the events of the original story, but Jack interrupts with ideas and suggestions of his own. It begins as usual with a trade of Jack’s cow for magic beans. The beans get tossed out the window and grow into a magic beanstalk overnight. Along the way up the stalk, Jack passes Cinderella at her castle window and gets an invite to her ball. Once at the top, a giant captures Jack as he tries to steal his treasure. He prepares to eat Jack, much to Jack’s dismay. The giant hears the narrator telling what happens next and finds out that if Jack escapes and cuts down the beanstalk, he will fall from the sky and die trying to chase him. Neither Jack or the Giant want to die- in fact, they discover a mutual love of cooking and beans and become friends. They decide to go to Cinderella’s ball together and bring a taco salad. Their new friendship really blossoms when they decide to open a restaurant together called, “Where Have You Bean?”... and they lived happily ever after!
This is a terrific example of a fractured fairytale. You will laugh out loud at the unexpected remarks from the main characters, Jack and the Giant (whose name is actually Fred). The plot twist at the end even catches the narrator off guard. He tries to tell the original tale, but the characters have their own ideas. Though it is “fractured”, it would still be considered a fairytale for several reasons. First, good definitely triumphs over evil. In this case, taco salad and Cinderella’s ball beat out cutting down the beanstalk and the death of a giant. Second, this is an imagined story that could not exist in real life. Jack trades his cow for magic beans and they grow into an enormous beanstalk that grows high into the clouds up to a giant’s house. As with most fairy tales, there is a happy ending. Our young, poor hero, Jack finds a new friend, wealth, and a future as a restauranteur.
Students would really enjoy retelling the events of the story by acting it out. A teacher could therefore use this book for a lesson in sequencing and identifying story elements. Students could either make puppets or use their own bodies to retell the story. Smaller minilessons could also be done. There are “-ing” verbs throughout the book, such as doing, hosting, talking, climbing. Students could identify the base word and practice adding “ing” to new words. Another minilesson could be done with adjectives. The narrator describes the “humongous” house and the “booming” voice of the giant. Students could examine each page and generate a list of the adjectives used throughout.
This lesson could easily be carried over into writing. The teacher could read another traditional fairytale and have the students write a contemporary or alternative ending to that one. It might also be a fun activity to link it to math. If students are studying money, a teacher could put a price tag on items found in the giant’s house and have their students total them up or even pretend they have a budget and see what they could buy.

[Lauren- The Smile Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to LAUGH!
✨It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk by Josh Funk is laugh out loud funny. First of all, if you put the words 'toot' and 'bum' and have a character in their underwear, my boys will roar laughing! This was such a great twist on Jack and the Beanstalk with a fun additional character, Cinderella.
✨I think I laughed more than my kids for the first read aloud because I caught onto the idea of a narrator telling the story and the characters having side chats with the narrator.
✨When we read it again, the kids were laughing just as loud because I used different voices for the narrator and characters. They LOVED it!! The sarcasm and silliness is very clever throughout the entire book!
✨The illustrations, by Edwardian Taylor, jump right out at you. My boys kept commenting on how much they enjoyed the drawings! Pay close attention to the last pages. There are so many fun characters in the illustrations!
✨I taught third and fourth grade and can absolutely see students writing their own versions of classic tales with a narrator/character twist like this! It would be a great extension activity! I also think having children read different parts aloud would be a fun activity. Giving different parts to different readers. It would definitely be funny to listen to.
✨We just loved this book! Thank you to @kidlitexchange for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.