Parents' Guide to

Jack Plank Tells Tales

By Ellen Dendy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

An ex-pirate spins captivating yarns.

Book Natalie Babbitt Literary Fiction 2007
Jack Plank Tells Tales Poster Image

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age 7+

Based on 1 parent review

BlueJade
BlueJade Parent of 10-year-old
July 16, 2009
age 7+

Great twist on pirate stories

This book was on an assigned reading list for fourth and fifth graders. It was not a typical pirate book, as the main character wants to stop being a pirate and figure out what else he should do. So the story is less about pillaging and more about finding out how people fit in. The book has several funny parts. A 9-year-old boy really enjoyed this, more than he thought. The language is not too difficult

This title has:

Educational value
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What's the Story?

Pirate Jack Plank is let go from the only job he's ever known. Left in Jamaica with a small bag of gold coins (so he can get a fresh start), Jack finds shelter in a boarding house, where he befriends owner Mrs. DelFresno, her daughter Nina, and the other boarders. Nina and the other boarders try to help Jack find a new profession, but each time someone suggests a job Jack responds with one of his many high-seas adventure stories.

Jack's pirate stories whisk Mrs. DelFresno, Nina, and the other boarders away to exotic tropical beaches and dark angry seas -- places where magic is possible and danger lurks around every corner.

\ \ Through a process of elimination and careful evaluation of Jack's talents, the group eventually comes up with the perfect job for their highly entertaining friend.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Award-winning author Natalie Babbitt (Tuck Everlasting) pays tribute to the art of storytelling in this engaging story about Jack Plank, a recently laid-off pirate. Jack's career crisis serves as a framework for eight captivating and highly imaginative pirate stories that are just plain fun to read and tailor-made for group storytelling. And Babbitt's old-fashioned, hand-drawn illustrations match the story's 18th-century setting perfectly.

Because the pirate stories are tame, JACK PLANK TELLS TALES is a great choice for little ones who are interested in pirates but are too young or sensitive for more graphic "crimes on the high seas" stories. A mix of mystery, magic, suspense, and surprise, Babbitt's pirate tales veer away from standard fare in their sheer creativity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about which stories they enjoyed the most and why. Do you think Jack's stories were true? If not, how do you think Jack came up with them? Can you come up with your own stories that incorporate mysteries and magic? Families can also use this as a starting point to learn more about and enjoy the art of storytelling.

Book Details

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