Look Out, Jack! The Giant Is Back!

If you thought one of your favorite fables ended when Jack slew the giant and the huge oaf fell to the bottom of the bean stalk, best you think again. Thanks to the creative mind of Tom Birdseye brave little Jack has another giant to face. Remember when Jack thought he had it made with the hen that laid golden eggs, the magic harp and the bag of coins? Well no such luck. The late giant has a brother, an even bigger brother, who is furious with Jack. So, Jack takes his mother, his loot and boards a ship for the U.S. of A. He finds a pleasant farm in the mountains of North Carolina, believing the giant will never find him there. Not only that but Jack is now raising prize-winning roses. Ah, life is good until one temperature topping day in August. Why, it was so hot that Jack had to surround the hen with ice "to keep her from laying hard-boiled eggs instead of golden ones." Then, just as he was taking his ease and a big gulp of lemonade he heard a loud, threatening bellow - it was the giant! Can Jack outsmart and outrun another giant? Will Hillenbrand's marvelously warm and funny illustrations were created with a mix of media - wooden pencils, inks, egg tempera, colored pencils, oils. They're the perfect partner for this fun and fantastic tale. Youngsters will enjoy this continuation of a favorite story, while adults will chuckle at Jack's antics. - Gail Cooke