The Jack Tales

A collection of folk tales from the southern Appalachians that center on a single character, the irrepressible Jack.

Meet the clever, lazy, and lucky hero of American folklore. How does Jack always manage to come out on top?

Giants and Witches: Follow Jack as he confronts Old Fire Dragaman, outsmarts a gang of giants in their own newground, and faces a witchy cat in a haunted mill. American Fairy Tales: Read beloved Appalachian versions of classic stories, including the tale of Jack and his magical bean tree that grows right up to the sky. A Clever Hero: Discover how a boy who'd rather nap than work uses his quick wits to escape robbers, win the King's daughter, and earn a fortune. Authentic Folklore: Handed down for generations in the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia, these stories capture the rhythm and humor of a living oral tradition.