Customer Reviews

Jump at the Sun: Jack and the Beanstalk - Fairy Tale Classics (Jump at the Sun Fairy-Tale Classics)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It is quite a challenge to adapt a classic European tale for a cast of characters of African descent, and make the story relevant and even "believable" for some of our children who are living in hard-knock communities and environments. The author and illustrator of this "Jack & the Beanstalk" seem to accomplish this task by acknowledging some of the unfortunate realities that many of our kids face regularly, such as drunkenness. Designated readers of young children who deal with such issues should find this adaptation of "Jack..." to be a welcome addition to their libraries. By the way, the artwork is terrific! The variety of images of the African-descent characters are worth the purchase.

The JATS fairy tales are great. Be aware that they do use the word, "die" as a threat from the villians. This particular book describes Jack's mother as a "widow," a concept I have not discussed with my kids. I just skipped over that word, but a page or two later, the mother says that she is glad that foolish Jack's father is not there to see how silly he is. I accidentally read this before I knew what it was saying. I just let my kids think that Jack's dad was at work...this is what they assumed.

I think this book is great, as usual with Raisin in the Sun. I have a daughter, but think this may be better for boys. (She's at that stage). I really find it quite interesting the amount of negative feedback because of a word here or there. This is part of reality, and with the amount of violence children are being exposed to (inside and outside the home), I do not think one should trash or criticize a book because they (as a parent) rather not explain how life is not roses all of the time to their child. This is the only company I know of which puts fairy tales in an African viewpoint, and I think that is wonderful. I will not nitpick over minor things just to give negative feedback. Nothing's perfect.

The school boards are allowing books to be read in school in regards to same-sex marriages and couples, and YOUR concern is of one word/sentence in this children's book?

I purchased this book for my 3 year old niece. As I read the story, I came across a sentence that gives a reason for the inability of the giant to catch Jack. Get this... it was because the giant was drunk. Yes... they used the word drunk. I was horrified. What kind of thing is that to read to a small child? I know in today's world children will hear about (or maybe even see) someone being intoxicated. Perhaps this was in the original story of Jack and the Beanstalk; I can't say. But I will say that I omitted reading that sentence to my niece, removed the book from her things and put the book in the garbage.

Great resell of classic characters with an Afro centric feel to them. Innocently and tastefully done, but so hard to find and expensive!!! Twice as much is why I paid for these African American fairy tales than the original classics, but worth every penny for young minds to dream and use the power of "what if" . Simple, well done revisions of classics.

I was very happy with this book. It was shipped quickly to my home and the colors in the book are beautiful. This book is very engaging.

I didn't like that you had the giant getting drunk. This should not have been in your picture book. Subliminal messages (negative) about Afro-Americans. Thanks!