Reluctantly, Zack agreed to help and soon they built the biggest sandcastle one could imagine. It towered into the clouds but gave Zack a funny feeling.    "Sh! . . . What's that?" whispered Zack. "Thump! Thump! Thump!"    Something huge stood at the front door and roared: "Fee Fi Fo Fum I smell the . . . " "Help!"    Everyone ran away, except Zack who buried his head in the sand.

A hideous giant burst open the door. Snarling like a mad dog, he pointed right at Zack.    "You!"    Zack poked his head out and stuttered.    "M.. M.. Me?"    "Yes you!" the giant's voice thundered."I'd know you anywhere Jack and the Beanstalk! You stole my gold. Now give it back!"    "Ah . . . Ah . . . Ah . . . ," stammered Zack, "My name is Zack not Jack. I just came to read my . . . "

Before he could finish, the giant scooped him up and returned to his castle.    He tossed Zack into a large cage, and ate his dinner.    "I'll eat you later," he said with a belch.     Zack fell on his knees and begged,"Spare me! Spare me!"    The giant dragged his chair closer and demanded, "Then give me my gold!"    Zack pleaded,"I'm Zack not Jack. Jack's the one that took your gold."    But Zack's pleading only infuriated the giant who roared even louder making Zack weep. Each tear though softened the giant's heart till he mellowed and said,"I'll give you one day but if by sundown you haven't found my gold, I'll keep you forever."

All images © Amanda Penrose 1997. Story & Music © John Rickey 1997.