Wonder Teller
Cover of Jack and the Beanstalk: A Gentle Retelling
Folktales & LegendsPicture bookLevel 3Ages 3–5

Jack and the Beanstalk: A Gentle Retelling

English · 17 pages · 582 words · 5 min read

A gentle retelling for listeners ages 3–5 of the traditional English tale in which lazy Jack trades the family cow for magic beans, climbs the beanstalk to a wicked ogre’s castle three times, carries home gold, a hen that lays golden eggs, and a harp that plays by itself, and chops the beanstalk down when the ogre chases him.

Read first 3 pages
Original work by
Traditional English folktale
Adapted by
Wonder Teller

A look inside

The opening of Jack and the Beanstalk: A Gentle Retelling, free to read.

  1. Illustration from page 2 of Jack and the Beanstalk: A Gentle Retelling

    Jack lived with his mother in a little cottage. His father had died, and Jack was too lazy to work. Soon the cupboard was empty. “Take our cow to market,” said his mother. “Make sure you sell her well!”

  2. Illustration from page 3 of Jack and the Beanstalk: A Gentle Retelling

    Down the road came a butcher in a white apron. He held out his hat, heaped with bright beans. “Your cow for my beans?” he asked. Jack loved the pretty colors, and the market was far. “Yes!” said Jack.

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