Customer Reviews

Jack and the Beanstalk (Classic Collectible Pop-Up)

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When was the last time we were amazed by a pop-up version of "Jack and the Beanstalk"? Way back in the1930s, I'd like to think, by a Toledo, Ohio art director named Harold B. Lentz. Well, be prepared to be overwhelmed again -- 65 long years after Blue Ribbon readers were delightfully amused to find the defeated giant, in glorious 3-D!, helplessly lying on his back with his arms and legs in the air. And it had to be another creative giant in our pop-up planet, Chuck Murphy, to retell this thriller. About a year ago in Los Angeles, I had the privilege of watching Mr. Murphy demo this yet-to-be-published book. I can still hear the collective gasp that filled the room as he opened the second spread, revealing a rising castle in the clouds and Jack's stalk spiraling skyward. But he was kind enough to stop there. He didn't want to deny his audience, each one of us an incurable "kinetic" book buff, the experience of discovering the drama and the danger that were still to come. Thank you, Chuck, for keeping us on the edge of our seats (for a few more months!) and for letting us do the "unfolding" ourselves. It was worth the wait! At the risk of giving away too much of the storyline (Really now ... is there somebody out there who still doesn't know the ending of this oft-told tale?), allow me to share with you Mr. Murphy's mastery of his movable art. Utilizing a wonderfully wicked combination of suspense and surprise, he makes Jack's hasty departure from the giant's lair truly heart-stopping. As Jack quietly retrieves his family's treasures, the big bad brute wakes up (slowly opening an eye with the help of a pull-tab activated by the reader), then WHAM! (as the page is turned) the giant looms large over Jack and, just in the nick of time (again with the aid of a pull-tab -- talk about audience participation!), our hero escapes the monster's huge hand. Whew! Before I say more and spoil it for you, grab yourself a copy of Chuck Murphy's "Jack and the Beanstalk" today. And don't tell me I didn't warn you.