Jack and the Beanstalk The magic beans and the castle at the top of the beanstalk. DAVID MACAULAY is the creator behind such books as Cathedral and The Way Things Work. Born in England, David has lived in America for most of his life. He now resides in Rhode Island with his wife, Ruthie, and their daughter and son. Upcoming work includes a PBS documentary and an accompanying book. Jack and the Beanstalk is David's first comic; he thought it was a fun challenge in play and pictures.