Jack Plank Tells TalesJack Plank Tells Tales is a children's novel written by Newbery Honor recipient Natalie Babbitt. Her first novel in 25 years, it was released by Scholastic, Inc. in 2007.PlotThe book contains connected stories dealing with an inept and humane pirate, Jack Plank, who has trouble finding work that suits him and his inhibitions.ReceptionThe book received a starred review from Booklist in April 2007, and the School Library Journal gave it a most favorable review.