Everyone knows the traditional story of Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack sells the family cow for some worthless beans. Said beans grow into a magical beanstalk that reaches the clouds. When Jack climbs it he comes to find the home of an ugly and mean giant. Escaping the giant's cannibalistic wrath, Jack is able to steal away with a goose that lays golden eggs, a pot of gold, and a magic harp.
However, Donna Jo Napoli's version has more substance in that you meet Jack when he is nine years old and living on a farm with his mother and father. Next door is beautiful Flora and life is perfect. But, Jack's dad, being a gambler, ends up losing the farm. Literally. In his guilt and shame he commits suicide and Jack goes crazy with grief. Over time Jack's life is turned upside down. As he grows up, he and his mother become poorer and poorer until finally, they are down to their last cow. To make matters worse, lovely Flora announces her engagement to another man. True to the original telling, Jack sells the family cow for some seemingly worthless beans that end up growing into a huge beanstalk that reaches the heavens. And like the original story, Jack climbs the beanstalk and discovers that giant and his riches. But, Napoli has a powerful message for her readers. Jack may be crazy but he also has a heart. His ending is a happily ever after even with heartache. ( )