The House That Jack Built [Hardcover]

Jeanette Winter (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Here is the story of Jack and his famous house as only award-winning artist Jeanette Winter could present it. The words of the classic nursery rhyme appear in a charming rebus puzzle, with added verses that place Jack's house on a hilltop. Witty paintings bursting with color and action show the satisfying havoc wreaked by the series of animal and human visitors who come up the hill. Young readers will delight in reciting the words of this cumulative rhyme that has entertained children for centuries. And with each turn of the page, they'll revel in the drama that unfolds in the lively and beautifully crafted art.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Winter's (My Name Is Georgia) cheerful, acrylic pictures have a folk-art quality well suited to this familiar, cumulative tale, which she supplements with several original verses (an early one places Jack's house on top of a hill and a final verse informs that "he lives there still"). She handily targets her audience by giving this version a rebus format, making it all the easier for preschoolers to follow along. "This is the DOG " for instance, runs at the top of the left-hand page with the cumulative text below, along with a spot illustration of the pooch; the opposite page shows a framed rendering of the dog interacting with the other characters. Each right-hand full-page picture features a cross-section look at the interior of Jack's house and offers a hint about who will next join the lineup (e.g., the muzzle and a hoof of the soon-to-arrive cow is visible at the edge of one illustration). While maintaining an appealing simplicity, Winter's illustrations reveal some diverting goings-on. With its rollicking, repetitive text and picture clues, this is a fine choice for youngsters just beginning to read on their own. Ages 3-6. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1-In this rebus rendition of the familiar nursery rhyme (with an original verse or two), Winter reveals the activity in Jack's house with simple, pastel-toned acrylic paintings. As readers turn each page, yet another element is added to the text and to the pictures. The changes are subtle though, accentuating the harmony of the book. The classic lines of this rhyme work well with the rebus format and give even nonreaders an opportunity to decipher the text. Youngsters will also enjoy looking for clues in the illustrations to predict what will happen next. No doubt most collections already include several versions of this well-loved nursery rhyme, but this one makes an appealing addition.
Christine Lindsey, Lake Superior Primary School, Ashland, WI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803728204
• ISBN-13: 978-0803728202
• ASIN: 0803725248
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,802,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars perfect for learning memorization, October 18, 2007

By 

S. M. Jenner (Black Hills SD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The House that Jack Built (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

My husband and I had read this book to our son who is 4.5 on and off. It was not "everyday" read. He wanted to take the book for show and tell last Friday to his preschool. He told me that another girl had brought a book the week before. Imagine my surprise when I picked him up from school and learned from his teacher that he had read the ENTIRE book to his class. I think it was easier to memorize because of all the repetition.

I don't think the story is all that great, but it grasped my sons attention, so I give it 5 stars! I do love the folk-art illustrations.

5.0 out of 5 stars great fun with the little one, September 8, 2007

By 

K. Jenkins "all 4 her" (Grants Pass, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The House that Jack Built (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I bought this and was quite surprised. Throughout the book, after they introduce a character, they only refer to that character by picture, not with a word or name. It teases your memory. My young one really loves it.