Calamity Jack

Bibliography

Hale, Shannon and Dean. 2010. CALAMITY JACK. Ill. by Nathan Hale.  New York: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books. ISBN 9781599900766

Plot Summary

In this graphic novel interpretation of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale, Jack is a shrewd and cunning young man who always seems to have some sort of mischief planned.  Most of his schemes involve stealing money or goods, but rather than viewing himself as a thief, Jack truly believes he has the best of intentions since he is trying to make life easier for his hard-working mother.  After nearly being caught when he grows the beanstalk, steals a Giant's magical goose, and inadvertently kills one of the Giants as he chops the beanstalk down, Jack decides to leave his hometown and head out west.  While he's there, he meets Rapunzel and together they return to the city where Jack grew up.  Once he arrives, Jack is stunned to find the city in ruins and living in fear of being attacked by Ant People.  When he begins a quest to discover what has happened, he enlists the help of Prudence (his favorite partner in crime) and Freddie (a man who loves strange inventions and seeks the truth).  Before long, Jack learns that his mother has been captured by the Giants and enslaved as their cook, and he embarks on an adventure to end the oppressive rule of the Giants and the destruction caused by the mysterious Ant People.

Critical Analysis

In this sequel to the popular Rapunzel's Revenge, Shannon and Dean Hale combine unique characters, humorous dialogue, and lots of action and adventure to create a memorable graphic novel that will leave readers begging for more from these authors.  Along with an intricate plot that includes more than a few shocking twists, the detailed and stimulating graphics created by Nathan Hale make the characters and fantastical creatures come to life.  The action-packed text and energetic illustrations work well together, and readers will soon become swept into the city of Shyport where a fantastic world of diminutive pixies, giants, and invading alien insects live amid crumbling buildings, floating palaces, and old-fashioned locomotives.  Jack is far from perfect, and over the course of the novel he transforms from a mischievous young boy into a hero that would make his mother proud.  Young readers will relate to Jack's occasional feelings of self-doubt and frustration when absolutely nothing seems to be going his way.   The plot moves quickly and leaves the reader fully engaged from beginning to end as Jack overcomes huge obstacles in the form of the menacing cruelty of Blunderboar, and his success in accomplishing this seemingly impossible task could mean the difference between life and death for his mother.  As Jack struggles and ultimately defeats Blunderboar, the reader feels the sense that good has prevailed over evil, even when it seemed that all hope was lost for the city of Shyport and the residents who lived there.

Awards

• Junior Library Guild Selection
• 2011 YALSA Great Graphic Novel
• Texas Maverick Graphic Novel
• Nominated for a Cybils Award
• School Library Journal Comic for Kids 2011

Review Excerpts

"The swashbuckling plot shines in the graphic-novel format...Easily as strong as the first entry, this steampunk-flavored fairy tale will appeal to boy-, girl-, reluctant-, and eager readers alike."

               – Booklist

“...a charming update of Jack and Beanstalk...The dynamic artwork fits well with Jack and Rapunzel's quick tongues, as they flirt their way through numerous hair-raising situations."

               – Publishers Weekly

"Nathan Hale's artwork again places the action in a fairy-tale version of the American West, now with the city as backdrop.  His character sketches are delightfully expressive, and the book has the same rich palette as the previous story.  It should satisfy readers who enjoy adventure, fairy tales, and anyone who loves a rogue."

               – School Library Journal

"This fantastic yarn has something for everyone...Readers will relish this gleeful mix of fairy tale, adventure, and romance."

               – Kirkus Book Reviews


“Once again authors (and spouses) Shannon and Dean Hale have concocted a story that will have readers on the edge of their seats.  The beautifully drawn illustrations by Nathan Hale (no relation) add verve, detail, and humor to the story."

               – The Washington Post


Connections
After reading Calamity Jack, children will enjoy reading the original Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale and looking for similarities and differences between the main characters in each story.  Children can record the similarities and differences they find in a Venn diagram.  A public library located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas has a terrific website where children can read the original fairy tale while enjoying artwork from a mural that was painted to depict the events from the well-known story.


Reading a graphic novel such as this one might prompt children to read additional graphic novels and look for the defining characteristics of this format of children's book publishing.  Encourage children to discover features that all graphic novels have (intricate and stimulating graphics, nonlinear format, perfect pairing of text and illustrations - among others).  Once children have read a variety of graphic novels, they can work in teams to create their own short graphic novel by writing a story that contains an obvious problem/solution and strong characters that will fight against evil.


On author Shannon Hale's official website, teachers can find a detailed teacher's guide that will assist them in incorporating this graphic novel into their curriculum and teaching objectives.