Jack and the Beanstalk: Ladybird First Favourite Tales
Ladybird tales Series
on Goodreads (148)
What’s inside...
A retelling of the classic fairy tale, 'Jack and the Beanstalk' follows the adventures of young Jack as he climbs a giant beanstalk that leads to a magical realm above the clouds. There, he encounters a fearsome giant and finds riches that could change his and his mother's lives forever. A perfect introduction to timeless and treasured stories, with amusing pictures and lots of funny rhythm and rhyme to delight young children. Ideal for reading aloud and sharing with 2-4 year olds.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jack
The Giant'S Wife
Jack's Mother
The Giant
Discussion points
What would you do if you found magic beans like Jack?
How do you think Jack felt when he saw the giant in the castle?
Why is it important to be brave like Jack?
What would you have done differently if you were in Jack's shoes?
What do you think is the most important lesson from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Jack's adventures to make the story more relatable. Discuss the moral lessons in the story, such as bravery and the consequences of one's actions, to deepen their understanding. Use expressive reading, changing your tone and volume to match the excitement of the story, to keep your child engaged. Ask your child to predict what might happen next at several points in the book to develop their critical thinking and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and taking initiative
Explanation: Jack demonstrates courage when he decides to climb the giant beanstalk, exploring new worlds despite the risks involved.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and explore new opportunities, even if they might seem intimidating at first.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Jack faces danger when he takes items from the giant's castle, highlighting how greed can lead to perilous situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of considering the consequences of their actions, particularly the negative impact of being overly greedy.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and quick thinking
Explanation: Jack uses his wits to escape from the giant, such as chopping down the beanstalk while the giant is descending it.
Real-World Application: It emphasizes the value of thinking on one's feet and using available resources to solve problems, which can be applied in daily challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence
Explanation: Despite initial fears and challenges, Jack continually ventures up the beanstalk, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in their endeavors, even when faced with difficulties or setbacks.