Fast paced adventure with good humour and characters. Can;t wait to see where they head next!

What a wonderful reimagining of the folktale Jack and the Beanstalk. It was a fast-paced adventure that I didn't put down from start to finish. I'm looking forward to anything else Ben Hatke writes. The only minor downside, at the ending, is a cross-over between what I'm assuming to be his other series, Zita the Spacegirl. I've been meaning to read that series but haven't gotten around to it yet. I had no idea who the people were at the ending until I put two-and-two together. I think, for audiences that have read Zita before, they'll totally get it. For us that haven't, it was a slightly confusing ending to an otherwise great book.

3.5 stars

When I requested this book from NetGalley for review I thought it was going to be some modern retelling of my favorite, Labyrinth. The synopsis coupled with the title made it sound like it could have easily been one such story, but it wasn't. Instead it was a new take on the Jack & the Beanstalk classic fairytale. What I also didn't know was that it was the 2nd book in a series. So, with all of that out there, let me just say that I still enjoyed this graphic novel.

The artwork was superbly bright and colorful. I liked how every image on every page popped, and how detailed the illustrator made them. The story concept was fairly easy to follow; although I didn't buy in to all of the plot lines. Some were just a little unbelievable- even for a comic. I must say, there were a few aspects of the story, specifically how the characters came to be where they were and their background stories, that I felt a little lost on due to not having read the original book in the series. So, with that in mind, I'd definitely recommend others not begin here but rather with book one.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me this ARC and review opportunity.

The first book was a big hit at my library, and there are quite a few middle-graders anxiously awaiting this follow up. They will not be disappointed. The action is exciting, the plot well paced, the artwork evocative, and the characters fully developed. Jack continues to be a determined hero, and Lilly is as "feisty" as ever. And, oh, I think I am just as in love with these books as my young patrons! Ben Hatke has truly created a vivid and brilliant retelling of the classic Jack tale, and it is more than worthy of shelf space in any library.

(PS-I absolutely adore all of the Hatke's creatures. Special shout out to those dude's in the pipes!)

I'm a huge fan of Ben Hatke's books. So are most students I know. His books aren't often on the shelf. This is no exception. There's plenty of action and a couple twists. But the ending was the best part. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but I can say I will be buying this one as soon as it comes out. Probably multiple copies. Because once one kid reads it, I know they'll be fighting over who gets it next. This is a MUST READ!

A fun retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk in graphic novel form. .