THE JACK TALES

In America we are just beginning to set store by our heritage of folk sales. These tales, of English derivation but gathered from the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia, have a freshness and raciness that will make them uncommonly juicy reading for children who like giants and the chopping off of heads. Variations of Jack the Giant Killer, Jack and the Beanstalk and other less familiar themes are so presented that older children will enjoy them without apology. The use of vernacular is just enough to add spice and flavor but not enough to get in the way. An appendix of sources and parallel themes to be found in other folk lore is a scholarly and fascinating contribution for the student of folk literature. I'm glad it is placed at the end so that children will not be deterred from reading the stories for sheer fun.