Jack and the Beanstalk

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

It’s high-energy and best for older kids who enjoy thrills. For bedtime, it works well when you read it steady and end on the ‘safe home’ resolution and family security.

Story Synopsis

Jack and his mother are poor, and when they must sell their cow, Jack is sent to the market. On the way, he meets a stranger who offers magic beans in exchange for the cow. Jack, dazzled by possibility, agrees. His mother is furious—beans can’t feed them—until that night, when the magic shows itself. By morning a giant beanstalk has grown into the sky. Jack climbs and discovers a world above the clouds: a great house belonging to a giant and his wife. Jack sneaks in, hungry and curious. The giant’s booming presence creates danger, and the famous chant—“Fee‑fi‑fo‑fum”—turns Jack’s fear into a test of nerve. Jack returns more than once. Each time he takes something valuable: a bag of gold, a goose that lays golden eggs, and a harp that sings. The treasures promise safety for his mother, but the stealing carries risk. Eventually the giant chases Jack down the beanstalk. Jack reaches home, grabs an axe, and cuts the beanstalk. The giant falls, and the threat ends. With the treasures, Jack and his mother can finally live without hunger. Jack and the Beanstalk is an adventure that raises big questions: when is risk wise, when is it reckless, and how do we take responsibility for what we choose?

Story Excerpt

Once there was a poor widow who lived with her only son, Jack. They had one cow, Milky-white, and each morning the cow gave milk. Jack and his mother carried the milk to market and sold it, and that was how they managed. But one morning Milky-white gave no milk at all. “What shall we do, what shall we do?” Jack’s mother cried, twisting her hands. “Cheer up, Mother,” Jack said. “I’ll go and find work somewhere.” “We’ve tried that before,” she answered, tired and worried. “No one would take you. We must sell Milky-white and use the money to start something—a little shop, or anything.” “All right,” said Jack. “It’s market-day. I’ll sell her, and then we’ll see.” So Jack took the cow by her halter and set off down the road. He hadn’t gone far when he met a funny-looking old man, bright-eyed and cheerful, as if he’d been waiting there. “Good morning, Jack,” said the old man. “Good morning,” Jack replied, and wondered how the stranger knew his name. “And where are you off to?” asked the man. “To market,” said Jack, patting Milky-white’s neck. “I’m going to sell our cow.” “Oh, you look the proper sort of lad to sell cows,” the old man said. Then he leaned in as if sharing a secret. “Tell me—do you know how many beans make five?” Jack grinned. “Two in each hand and one in your mouth.” “Right you are!” said the old man, delighted. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of strange-looking beans, mottled and shiny. “And here are the very beans themselves. Since you’re so sharp, I don’t mind making a swap—your cow for these beans.” “Go on!” said Jack.

In One Glance