Jack and the beanstalk
Beatrice Schenk De Regniers
Jack and the beanstalk
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Retold in Verse for Boys and Girls to Read Themselves
by Beatrice Schenk De Regniers
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if a handful of magic beans could grow a giant beanstalk all the way to the clouds? Imagine climbing up, higher and higher, to a world where giants live and treasures await. But what if the giant isn't as easy to outsmart as Jack thinks?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This classic fairy tale retold in rhyme follows Jack, a young boy who trades magic beans for a chance at adventure. Suitable for early readers aged 5 to 8, the story introduces themes of bravery and cleverness while maintaining a light and engaging tone. Parents should note the mild peril of Jack facing a giant, presented in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Why we rated Jack and the beanstalk 7LP
Jack and the beanstalk is written at a Level 2 reading level across 46 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Jack and the beanstalk works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Jack and the beanstalk as 7LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Jack and the beanstalk explores fairy tales, folklore, adventure, and stories in rhyme — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fairy tales, folklore, adventure.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Jack and the beanstalk
Jean Little
Jack and the beanstalk
Jean Little
Jack and the beanstalk
Madame D'Aulnoy
Jack and the beanstalk
Madame D'Aulnoy
Jack and the beanstalk
Capstone
Jack and the beanstalk
Capstone
Jack and the beanstalk
Josephine Poole
Jack and the beanstalk
Josephine Poole
Jack and the beanstalk
Diane Namm
Jack and the beanstalk
Diane Namm
Jack and the beanstalk
Carol North
Jack and the beanstalk
Carol North
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0689714211
- Pages
- 46
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
- Published
- 1990
- Type
- Nonfiction