Jack the Giant Chaser: An Appalachian Tale

The Comptons have adapted the familiar ``valiant little tailor'' narrative as an upbeat and entertaining picture-book version with an Appalachian setting. Their direct, folksy view of down-home mountain kin seems perfectly suited to the tale's raffish humor; pictures and text offer numerous chuckles and a few outright guffaws. Instead of flies, as in the traditional version, Jack here swats seven catfish in one grand wallop; instead of five giants there is now one. Still, as expected, Jack is as quick-witted as his nemesis is stolid, and the resourceful hero--mainly through his funny fast-talking--sends this lumbering giant running for his life. In addition to the waggish countenances of hero and villain, the cartoony art--a splendid match for the laid-back text--features a ubiquitous pooch whose near-maniacal expressions are a joy all by themselves. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)