Climb the beanstalk with Jack in this quirky take on the traditional tale. When there is no food in the cupboard, Jack goes to market to sell Daisy the cow. But rather than money, Jack procures magic beans and the promise of adventure. This new paperback edition includes online access to the audio recording of the story, read by actor Richard Hope. AGES: 3 to 7 AUTHOR: Richard Walker (1943 - 1999) was born in England and worked in a number of different professions before becoming a writer, freelance broadcaster and professional storyteller. He has also written The Barefoot Book of Trickster Tales (1998), which was selected by Publishers Weekly as one of its "Best Books of 1998," and The Barefoot Book of Pirates (1999). Niamh Sharkey, an award-winning Irish illustrator, graduated from the College of Marketing and Design, Ireland, in 1994 with First Class Honors. She works in oils on a gessoed textured background to create the richness in color that has already established her as a world class illustrator. She also illustrated the critically acclaimed The Gigantic Turnip for Barefoot Books, which was named a Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book in 1999 and a Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award Finalist in 2000, and which received a starred review from The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books. SELLING POINTS: . This traditional tale told in a fresh voice makes for a delightful home, classroom or library read-aloud. This new edition includes online access to Richard Hope's narration of the tale, enabling young children to listen along idependently. . Encourages kids to recreate the story for themselves, boosting language skills as they role play. . Award-winning illustrator Niamh Sharkey's highly original, textured oil paintings heighten the magic and mystery.