Jack Tales

Jack, the delightful, mischievous, big-hearted hero of so many Newfoundland tales, is worried about his parents. They aren't getting any younger; in fact, they're really quite old. So, Jack and his brothers Bill and Tom decide to set out and find a magic fruit that will make the old young. Told with the humour, warmth and sly wit that have made Andy Jones one of the Island's finest and best-loved storytellers, “The Queen of Paradise's Garden” follows Jack on his way to the land of the Queen of Paradise, where he finds the magic fruit and quite a few other handy things as well. Darka Erdelji has created stunning illustrations for the story. Erdelji's artwork is at once otherworldly, wistful and playful; it adds a wonderful dimension to an already engaging story.

A down-to-earth version of a heavenly tale. Jack and the Manger retells the story of Jesus's birth as if it were a Newfoundland folktale. It's all seen through the eyes of Jack, the hero of many a story, who befriends a young couple on their walk to Bethlehem. There's a bit of 'angel talk', some gravel pit camping, an edge-of-your-seat birth drama, and the low-down on how Caesar Augustus's 'count-and-tax plan' brought them all together. Gentle, playful and very funny, Jack and the Manger is the second in an on-going print series of Jack tales, written by Andy Jones, one of Newfoundland's finest storytellers and actors, and is sure to please even the most Grinch-like of readers.

Jack and Mary in the Land of Thieves finds Jack, that everyman of folktales, married to his sweetheart Mary, the best woman ever born and a mighty fine baker to boot. Their lives are as happy and successful as can be, until an underhanded sea captain and Jack's own bragging get the better of our hero. Jack is sent the once to work on Slave Islands and Mary is turned out of house and home. But Mary is resolute and resourceful, and has plans to find Jack and restore their fortunes. Inspired by several traditional and classic works, including Shakespeare's Cymbeline, the medieval tale of Frederick of Jennen, and the Newfoundland story "Jack and the Slave Islands," Andy Jones has crafted a funny, moving, and delightfully original story about love, treachery, perseverance, and cherry cake. Darka Erdelji's gorgeous illustrations capture the drama, humour, and beauty of this wonderful tale. With a hidden key, a storm at sea, and a singing mynah bird named Baxter who carries more than his share of tunes, Jack and Mary in the Land of Thieves will delight youngsters and oldsters alike.

Jack, the King of Ashes is another riotously funny Jack tale from Andy Jones and Darka Erdelji; it is as moving as it is hilarious. This time Jack, the "King of Ashes," spends all his time hove off in the coal box, until one day he shakes off his ashes and sets out on an adventure that includes sneaky robbers, a "famous missing princess with reward attached," an always-surprising canine sidekick, a royal wedding, a lovelorn rooster-puppet, a conniving ship's captain, corpses, curses, kisses, a coat and a whole lot more! Steeped in Newfoundland folk tradition, Jack, the King of Ashes shows Jones at the top of his form. His quirky and delightful humour is unstoppable. Erdelji's illustrations offer a wonderful, witty counterpoint to the story, enriching and embellishing it.