Silly Jack and the Beanstalk
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
A whimsical retelling of the classic fairy tale 'Jack and the Beanstalk', focusing on Jack's silly yet adventurous encounters with magical beings and strange creatures as he climbs the towering beanstalk. This title is part of Pearson's Bug Club - the first whole-school reading programme that joins books and an online reading world to teach today's children to read. In this book, Silly Jack climbs up the beanstalk. What will he find at the top? Suitable for Ages 5-6 (Green level A).
Age
6-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Jack felt when he saw the beanstalk growing?
How would you have reacted if you were in Jack's place and met the giant?
What lessons do you think Jack learned from his adventure?
If you had magic beans, what would you hope they do?
What do you think is the most important thing Jack's mother wanted him to learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Jack’s shoes, which will help them connect personally with the story.
Discuss the moral of the story, focusing on bravery, curiosity, and the consequences of actions.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically and empathize with the characters.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging; changing your tone for different characters can make the story come alive.
After reading, relate the story's themes to real-life scenarios to help your child apply the morals in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and taking risks
Explanation: Jack's decision to climb the giant beanstalk despite the uncertainties that lie ahead represents courage and the willingness to take risks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and try new activities, understanding that growth often comes from stepping out of comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and quick thinking
Explanation: Jack's clever strategies to escape from the giant demonstrate his ability to think on his feet and use his surroundings to his advantage.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by using their ingenuity to solve problems or handle challenging situations in school or play.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Jack's repeated ventures up the beanstalk despite already having acquired wealth show the negative impacts of greed.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being content and the potential repercussions of being overly greedy.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Jack's continuous efforts to climb the beanstalk and face challenges head-on exhibit perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in their pursuits, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals, understanding that success often requires consistent effort.