The Jack Tales

Rating:
Summary: Jack soars
Review: I bought this book for my grandchildren and loved it as did my grandchildren. Hicks is a famous appalachian story teller and although the stories are somewhat familiar, Hicks gives them his own twist. The best part and what makes the book are the illustrations-somewhat in the style of Thomas Hart Benton and very well suited and expressive of what are essentially country stories. Owen Smith, the illustrator has done many New Yorker magazine covers- let's hope he illustrates many more children's books.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Realized Storybook
Review: I found this volume perfectly presented. The warmly and colorfully told tales are matched by the rich and humorous illustrations. The style of the illustrations as well as the actual production of the book remind of classic books we grew up with. The audio CD add another layer of authenticity.

Rating:
Summary: Great American Culture Book
Review: This book is appropriate for all ages. The illustrations are outstanding, vivid, creative, and cause children to notice every little detail. The illustrations and text are brilliantly enhanced by a special C.D. by the storyteller. This text brings the boy Jack of Jack in the Beanstalk fame into American culture. He arrived in America in colonial times and those who settled in Appalachia kept his memory alive through oral tradition. This book puts Jack in the same league as "Johnny Appleseed", "Paul Bunyun", and "Pecos Bill".