Jack and the Giant Barbecue

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric. 2012. Jack and the Giant Barbecue. Ill. by John Manders. Las Vegas: Amazon Publishing. ISBN 0761461289

PLOT SUMMARY

After his father’s death, Jack learns that a giant stole his father’s prized barbecue recipe.  With this information, Jack begins an expedition to rescue the recipe.  Along the way, he encounters a helpful jukebox. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This variation of the traditional “Jack and the Giant Beanstalk” story is set in Texas.  The main character, Jack, is a typical hero who saves his father’s barbecue book.  The other characters consist of Jack’s mother and the giant.  This fairy tale features a “happily ever after” ending typical to the genre.  

The story contains other characteristics typical to the genre as well.  For example, Jack has a definite quest (rescuing his father’s recipe) and is able to resolve the conflict easily.  The theme of good triumphing over evil is also very prevalent in this story.  

John Manders has created a set of alluring illustrations using gouache and colored pencil.  He uses bright colors which renders an entertaining feel to the pictures.  His illustrations support the whimsical and silly aspects of the story.   

Kimmel’s style honors the original story, but he is puts his own uniquely Texan spin on it.  The setting of this story is crucial to the subject matter.  A story about barbecue set in Maine just would not have the same effect.  Young Texan children (and their parents) will enjoy being able to relate to the decidedly Texan feel to the book.  There are many references throughout the story that will go over children’s heads.  For example, the jukebox in Jack’s restaurant at the end of the story plays “Hank, Patsy, Willie, and all the greatest country hits.”  Nevertheless, children will enjoy the story and their parents will too!

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

School Library Journal:  “[Children] will enjoy the vivid language and larger-than-life elements.”

Booklist: “The story is made for reading aloud and sharing the giggles.”

CONNECTIONS

Other variations of traditional stories include:

Kimmel, Eric. The Three Little Tamales.  ISBN 0761455191

Ward, Jennifer. There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish.  ISBN 0761461965