Jacques and de Beanstalk
Grade 1–3—Artell and Harris's earlier Cajun retellings were celebrated for the clever regional twist they gave to familiar folktales. WhileJacques and de Beanstalkuses that same voice, the story itself retains its original structure; there are no roles filled by alligators and no villains defeated with hot sauce. As such, the only value added to the canon by this version is that of accent. The combination of rhyme, rhythm, length, and dialect makes the story rather difficult to read aloud. The author seems aware that this may be the case and provides a glossary and pronunciation guide at the front, along with suggestions for how to emphasize the beats of each verse. A small quibble: the glossary defines "mon dieu" as French for "my goodness"—while this usage is correct, technically it translates as "My God." The illustrations are skillfully rendered in watercolor and pencil with a humorous over-the-top quality that suits the tall tale. The giant in particular is quite grotesque with his overgrown toenails and pointy head. As in this team's earlier books, a mouse (unmentioned in the text) accompanies the hero and takes part in the adventure. While it lacks the clever charm of the earlier volumes, this is a lively Beanstalk story, and it will be enjoyed where its precursors are popular.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.