Jack and the Beanstalk

Jack and his mother had one gentle cow named Milky-white. One morning, she gave no milk at all. 'We must sell her,' said his mother sadly.

Jack led Milky-white to market by her rope. 'Trade your cow for these magic beans!' called a funny old man. Jack handed over the rope and pocketed the beans.

Jack's mother snatched the beans and flung them out the window. 'Magic beans! Oh, Jack!' she cried. Jack went to bed with no supper and a sad heart.

Jack woke to find his window blocked by an enormous beanstalk. He opened the window and jumped on. Up and up he climbed, without stopping once.

At the top stood a tall stone house. A kind woman gave Jack bread and milk. Then THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! 'My husband the giant is coming!' she whispered, and tucked him into a big copper pot.

The giant stomped inside and sniffed the air. 'Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell someone small!' he boomed. 'Nonsense, dear,' said his wife, and led him to his breakfast.

After breakfast, the giant's heavy eyelids drooped. He began to snore so loud the whole house shook. Jack peeked over the rim of the pot.

On the shelf sat a little golden hen. Jack crept toward her and reached out his arms. He lifted her up very, very quietly.

The hen gave a loud SQUAWK! The giant's eyes flew open. Jack ran for the beanstalk with the giant close behind. Down and down he climbed, without stopping once.

At the bottom, Jack called out, 'Mother! The axe!' He swung it twice, and the great stalk began to sway. The giant scrambled back up into the clouds. Down came the beanstalk with a crash!

Jack and his mother hugged each other tight. He set the golden hen on the table. 'Lay,' he said softly, and she laid a shining golden egg.

That evening, they sat by the warm fire together. The golden hen dozed in Jack's arms. Courage shared with love is the greatest treasure of all.