The Jack Tales - Folktale

The Jack Tales

Stories by: Ray Hicks

Illustrated by Owen Smith

 

Summary

The Jack Tales is a book that includes Jack and the North West Wind, Jack and The Bean Tree, and Jack and the Robbers.  The original Jack tales may have originated in Europe and came our way by 18th century Great Britain.  This version has been told by Ray Hicks, one of the greatest living storytellers in the United States.  The versions told by Ray Hicks were passed down to him by his ancestors, early Scottish and Irish pioneers who settled in the North Carolina mountains. 

Legendary story teller Ray Hicks

Annie’s Thoughts

This oversize book (approx 13"x10") caught my attention at my library.  The art work is simply amazing, giving life and adding to the quality of these stories.  Hick's stories still retain similarities and expressions from the traditional folktales but are blended with his Appalachian dialect and references.  The glossary in the beginning helped me understand these stories.  This book also came with an audio cd that helped me understand the dialect even better - even sounded like Forest Gump to me!

Classroom Activates:

A Venn Diagram can be used to compare and contrast the different versions of Jack and the Bean Tree and the traditional Jack and the Beanstalk.

This story can be tied into a plant learning science lesson or earth day activities.  Teach about the parts of a plant. Place a bean in a small jar with a wet paper towel, have students watch it grow throughout the year.

Response Questions:

Who are the characters in this story?

What lesson did this story teach you?

References:

Hicks, R. (2000). The Jack Tales. Retrieved from local library.