In this version of the classic tale, Jack climbs the magic beanstalk with a wise cat who helps him kill the giant, rescue his true love, and regain his father's fortune.

Use fairy tales in the library and classroom to increase students' proficiency in story structure, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking skills, and to foster collaboration with teachers. Teach core language arts skills using familiar fairy tales in AASL, IRA/NCTE standards-based, ready-to-use lessons. Use materials standard to every library to teach the curriculum, inspire a love of fairy tales, and include English Language Learners (ELL) in meaningful ways. Involve students in standards-based learning while they enjoy the charm and intrigue of their favorite fairy tales. Librarians and language arts teachers will find the information they need to increase vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and writing and speaking skills in their students, by using the wide appeal of fairy tales. Reproducible templates, worksheets, and planning guides are included.

Altmann and de Vos are back with more great ideas for exploring contemporary reworkings of classic folk and fairy tales that appeal to teen readers. If you loved New Tales for Old (Libraries Unlimited, 1999), this new work will be sure to please. Following the same format, each story includes tale type numbers, motifs, and lists of reworkings arranged by genre, and suggestions for classroom extensions. INSIDE: Beauty and the Beast, Jack and the Beanstalk, Tam Lin, Thomas the Rhymer, and five fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen.

An Appalachian version of the traditional tale in which a boy and five elderly animals find their fortune in a robbers' den.