Saturday, September 16, 2017

It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk by Josh Funk

It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk 
by Josh Funk
Illustrated by Edwardian Taylor
Expected Publication Sept. 19, 2017
Published by Two Lions
Fiction
Hardcover
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher


Goodreads Summary
Jack is not fond of the bossy narrator of his fairy tale! When Jack is told to trade his beloved cow Bessie for some magic beans, throw the beans out the window, climb the ENORMOUS beanstalk that sprouts overnight, and steal from a GIANT, he decides this fairy tale is getting out of control. In fact, he doesn’t want to follow the story line at all. Who says Jack needs to enter a life of daring, thievery, and giant trickery? He takes his story into his own hands—and you’ll never guess what happens next!

With laugh-out-loud dialogue and bold, playful art (including hidden fairy tale creatures for kids to find), this Jack and the Beanstalk retelling will have children rolling with laughter till Bessie the cow comes home.


My Thoughts
Add this book to your collection of "fractured" fairy tales! I really love Josh Funk's book and this latest does not disappoint. It is a clever twist on the classic story. 
The interaction between Jack and the narrator is hilarious. Jack's sarcasm and sass adds some fun that will appeal to upper elementary, while keeping the story entertaining for the little ones. 
The illustrations are whimsical and fun with elements of traditional fairy tales poking through. The dialogue between the characters is presented in speech bubbles which helps the reader separate conversation and narration. 
Overall, it is just a ton of fun! I would highly recommend It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk for elementary ages. Perhaps we will see more "Not" fairy tales in the future? 

Watch the book trailer.

See what others have to say about this book:

About Josh Funk
Like Jack, Josh Funk loves telling his own stories. He is the author of the popular picture books Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast and its sequel, The Case of the Stinky Stench, illustrated by Brendan Kearney; Dear Dragon, illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo; and the upcoming How to Code a Sandcastle illustrated by Sara Palacios in partnership with Girls Who Code. Josh lives in New England with his wife and children. Learn more about him at www.joshfunkbooks.com, and follow him on Twitter @joshfunkbooks.

About Edwardian Taylor
Edwardian Taylor currently works as a visual development artist and character designer for TV and animation feature film. His work can also be seen in mobile games, films, and commercials. He is the illustrator of the picture book Race!, written by Sue Fliess. Edwardian lives in Texas with his partner, their three dogs, and seven chickens. Learn more about him at www.edwardiantaylor.com, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @edwardiantaylor.

Giveaway!
Two Lions is offering one copy of IT’S NOT JACK AND THE BEANSTALK to one lucky winner (U.S. addresses). 

Monday, September 4, 2017

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? Sept. 4, 2017


Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here is what I have read recently. 
Click on the covers to learn more about each book. 

Graphic novel with a mystery twist and some friendship conflicts. Good for fans of Raina Telgemeier. Grades 3-5.

Really enjoyed this one. Kind of a modern day "Lord of the Flies". Grades 5+

Finished
It's true, Andrew Clements is the master of the "school story".  Perfect for grades 3-5. 

Currently Reading
Enjoying this one so far. 


What are you reading friends?

Friday, September 1, 2017

Farewell to Summer $250 Cash Giveaway!

Farewell to Summer
$250 Cash Giveaway
September 1st to 22nd
Enter for your chance to win $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon Gift Card.
  Sponsor List – Thanks to this fabulous group of bloggers and authors for sponsoring this giveaway! I Am A Reader Julie Coulter Bellon Lori's Reading Corner Donna K. Weaver Helen Smith Simple Wyrdings Kasey's Book Reviews Krysten Lindsay Hager Geybie's Book Blog Heather Gray, Writer of Christian Romance Glistering: B's Blog S.T. Bende Heather Boyd, Romance Author Simply Sherryl Laurie Treacy, author Maureen's Musings Carol Malone Bound 4 Escape The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Christy's Cozy Corners The Editing Hall Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Love Auggie Talk The Serious Reader The Lovely Books Bookroom Reviews BloominThyme Organic Gardening


Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 9/22/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.