My Dad is the most logical man I know and science not fiction is his passion.

He is ready to read me my bedtime story and clears his throat

‘Mmmm so Jack and his family were very poor and there was nothing to eat so his mother sent him to sell the family cow Daisy’

The thing is son although the family are expecting riches they are poor so the cow is probably under nourished so it makes sense it didn’t fetch a high price’

‘But Dad a handful of beans!’ I protest

He grumbles then explains ‘now these beans grew very fast and very tall but there are three essential things to remember. Firstly the cow was hungry so it would have stayed near the house for food. Secondly the amount of cattle droppings would have provided rich nutrients to make the beans grow fast. Thirdly Jack is not just a child he is also poor so possibly stunted for his age’

‘Oh Dad! But how can you explain the giant’

With a twinkle of his eye he smiles and ruffles my hair ‘Well magic of course!’