Overall I enjoyed the book - the illustrations in particular are amazing (and yes, possibly scary for the under 5 crowd). My only complaint is perhaps what other readers may view as a positive - that the text tries to capture the "Old world" language flare. At times, I found the wording to be unintentionally tongue twisting... not just the choice of words but the rhythm to the sentences - all made it a little rough for this reader the first time through. As examples, try reading aloud:
"What!" said Jack's mother."Have you been such a dolt, such an idiot as to give away my Milky-white, the best milker in the parish, for a set of paltry beans? Off with you to bed! And as for your precious beans, here they go out the window."
So Jack went upstairs to his little room in the attic, and sad and sorry he was to be sure, as much for his mother's sake as for the loss of his supper.