Jack's father has always told him about his great, great, great great grandfather Jack who slayed a giant and is the hero of countless stories. Once you climb up the beanstalk, there's no backing down. The voice is so strong in this book as is the humor that it's nearly impossible not to be charmed by Jack and Annabella. Everything about this one screamed read me and I had to stop myself from flying through this book because I wanted to savor it. Jack by Liesl Shurtliff is one of the best fairy retellings I've ever read and it's an extremely engaging, adventurous take on the classic tale. Thank you so much to Random House for allowing me the awesome opportunity to be on the blog tour for Jack! I absolutely loved this book, it was such a refreshing and engaging retelling that readers of all ages will love. This is a wonderful book to read together with your children, but it also delivers enough to enjoy if you are older. It was perfect for the tone of the story that you don’t have to be heroic to be a hero. The conclusion to this problem was nicely done. We only have to deal with the King who is destroying two worlds with his greed. Jack’s new ‘mother’ Martha was adorable and this is one of the first times where not all giants are evil. I liked how she set up the giant world and the people who live there. Her talent with animals and Pixies definitely helped in the quest to save their father. Annabella is a sweet girl and I like that she had her own special role in the story.

I liked his dynamic with his family and mainly his little sister. He is a likable kid and it’s great he sets out to find his father. He teases his little sister and he is always up for adventure. His personality truly felt like a playful boy who likes to trick people. I think Liesl really captured the right voice for Jack. Annabelle soon meets up with him and despite Jack’s complaints, he is more than happy to have her help. Their mother doesn’t believe him, so Jack trades their cow for beans and goes after his father into the world Above. He is innocent this time and when he sees his father taken by giants, Jack knows who is taking their food. So when their crop is disappearing, everyone points their fingers at Jack.

Jack loves mischief and people always look at him when something is wrong. Add pixies, elves, giants, magic, mystery and a quest for his lost father and you’ve found yourself an engaging Middle Grade story. Jack is, like his mother always calls him, a ‘naughty little boy’ and I thought it was a perfect portrayal of a young boy. I thought this book was even better, because there was more action and adventure. Last year I read Rump and I enjoyed it, so when I saw this book on Netgalley I knew I had to request it.