Everyone Knows What a Dragon Looks Like

by Jay Williams

Because of the road sweeper's belief in him, a dragon saves the city of Wu from the Wild Horsemen of the north.

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Childrens, Dragons, Fiction, Asia, Art

32 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1976

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Jay Williams (May 31, 1914–July 12, 1978) was an American author born in Buffalo, New York, the son of Max and Lillian Jacobson. He cited the experience of growing up as the son of a vaudeville show producer as leading him to pursue his acting career as early as college. Between 1931 and 1934 he attended the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University where he took part in amateur theatrical productions.

Out of school and out of work during the end of the Depression, he worked as a comedian on the upstate New York Borscht Belt circuit. From 1936 until 1941, Jay Williams worked as a press agent for Dwight Deere Winman, Jed Harris and the Hollywood Theatre Alliance. And even though he played a feature role in the Cannes prize winning film, The Little Fugitive produced in 1953, he turned his attention to writing as a full time career after his discharge from the Army in 1945. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. While serving in the Army he published his first book, The Stolen Oracle, in 1943.

Williams may be best-known for his young adult "Danny Dunn" science fiction/fantasy series which he co-authored with Raymond Abrashkin. Though Abrashkin died in 1960, he is listed as co-author of all 15 books of this series, which continued from 1956 until 1977. Jay Williams also wrote mysteries for young adults, such as The Stolen Oracle, The Counterfeit African, and The Roman Moon Mystery.

In all, he published at least 79 books including 11 picture books, 39 children's novels, 7 adult mysteries, 4 nonfiction books, 8 historical novels and a play.

Williams and his wife Barbara Girsdansky were married June 3, 1941. They had a son, Christopher ("Chris"), and a daughter, Victoria. Jay Williams died at age 64 from a heart attack while on a trip to London on July 12, 1978.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is this not more widely known? The illustrations have much the same whimsy as Mayer's famous "Little Critter" series, but are much more finely done, absolutely lovely to look at, to find all the details in, to look at again. There are several 'morals' in the story, all valuable. Williams' writing style is graceful, the book design attractive and timeless.... Highly recommended to all.

Williams' work, in general, is much too hard to find. I've loved everything that I have been able to read, and very much want to read the rest.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful fairy tale for children about not trusting in outward appearances. A city is about to be invaded and the people pray to a dragon to save them. When a fat old man shows up claiming he is the dragon, only the young hero is open to believing what he says.

The illustrations are gorgeous, with much to view on each page.

The story is message heavy, but it’s told so well that it’s very entertaining. Parts are also hilarious; it sure gives a new meaning to a leader’s command to “Follow me!” I do hope the last line has a double meaning and is also meant to be funny; I believe that is so.

There’s nothing particularly original about the story’s premise, but it’s a very satisfying book.

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smart, endearing, funny children book. But the most impressive here are the illustrations. I wish I grew up
with that tale!

[Karen GoatKeeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does a dragon look like? If you've never seen one, how do you know?
This is a Chinese tale and the illustrations are done in the Chinese style. Many characters are pompous and certainly know what a dragon looks like. And the dragon must come to save them from the advancing Wild Horsemen.
A humble little boy isn't sure what a dragon looks like. What he is sure of is how a real Chinese boy should act: polite and courteous.
The tale is simple. The dragon is endearing. The ending will make you laugh.

[Mir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Williams gentle admonitory tale blends harmoniously with Mayer's wonderful illustrations, which are at once beautiful and humorous.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the city of Wu is threatened to be destroyed by Wild Horseman of the plain, the inhabitants pray to the great cloud dragon to protect them. But when an old man arrives claims to be the dragon no one believes him but the orphan child Han, who feeds the old man, and is amazed when the old man reveals his true self, and saves the city. Han is rewarded by the city dwellers for his actions.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful wonderful wonderful drawings ... each one of them is a gem. I could live for the rest of my life with the least of them painted on my wall. What a nice story--the age old: "Be kind to others, give away what little you have," and "Beware foolish first impressions." Such a sweet story. Such lovely words.

The Wild Horsemen were very close. They wore fur caps and the skins of tigers. They shot arrows at the city as they rode hard on their shaggy horses.

The little fat man puffed out his cheeks. He blew a long breath. The sky grew dark and lightning sizzled from the clouds to the earth. A great wind arose. It caught the Wild Horsemen and blew them far and wide. Those who escape, turned and galloped madly away through the storm.
The sky cleared. The sun shone again. The plain was empty."

This book is full of beautiful, evocative language that has both rhythm and texture and yet is not beyond the capacities of an early reader. The child who hears this will grow up to look at the sky and the plains as though they have meaning.

...his form changed. He grew taller than the tallest tree, taller than the tallest tower. He was the color of sunset shining through rain. Scales covered him, scattering light. His claws and teeth glittered like diamonds. His eyes were noble like those of a proud horse. ... He flew high, roaring, and vanished into the deep sky.

Isn't this something you'd like to read to a little person? Imagine what their dreams would be like. Magnificent.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite from my childhood that is very hard to find. The art in this is beautiful you almost want to frame it, and the story is funny with a very good moral.

When the little old man comes to their village saying he is a cloud dragon who can save them from the huns, only the little sweeper boy shows him kindness for everyone knows that a dragon doesn't look like a short fat bald man.....or do they.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book for years. I've used it as a read-aloud with grades K-5 and all of the kids stayed right with me. A friend tried it as a read-aloud and reported it wasn't a fit with her. I'm hoping my grand daughter will love this one as much as I do...but gently, as I have an old, well-used, well-loved copy to share with her.

[Kayli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect children's book--for the child, and for the parent reading. The pictures are FANTASTIC--I looooove them. They are perfectly disturbing enough to really capture a boy's attention. :) And the story is wonderful too. It's not too long, and not too short. I recommend everyone who has a son to buy it.

[Wraith Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very favorite books as a kid. Glorious illustrations and has a good moral. My copy is extremely battered and very well loved, and I have shared it with many of the children that I've encountered over the years.

[Mattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books that should never have gone out of print. An amazingly sad decision on the part of the publishers. It has a great story, wonderful, magical illustrations, and is on my shelf forever. Buy one used-- it's worth it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katy says she tells this story, which I bet is great. It's a little long for storytime and the pictures are dense, so it's a great story to tell, although I will probably never get around to learning it. Enjoyed the read though!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan pointed this book out to me on the shelving truck. I had never seen it before. I thought it was very cute. I was born during Chinese New Year in the Year of the Dragon -- a very auspicious time. So I know that dragons don't just look like little old men. ;-)

[J9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book my 6 yr old as well as my twin 3 yr olds loved. A solid reading level 1 book, this cute story keeps all ages engaged with the bright colorful pictures and cute story. A great addition to any children's library.

[Raphael Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorite books. The story has a good moral and the illustrations are lush and well done. This book is probably best for kids in third grade and above. Highly recommended!

[Talea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a great story about the importance of courtesy and not judging by appearance alone.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not heard of this little story until it came into my work as an interlibrary loan someone else requested to read. Upon opening the book I read the most charming endorsement from a child who donated it to his class, considering it his 'all-time favorite' with the message gained to not judge a book by its cover and to be kind to all creatures.

Between me and you, that was enough for me, and I read it right then and there. It's a simple story, illustrated with the most beautiful art and reminds us all to be wary of our biases, to let go of what we believe things are or ought to be, to take them out of the box we placed them in, and to instead see them as they are, see people as they are and to treat them and all beings with the utmost respect and compassion. Personally, I think this should be up there with other classic tales, with that wisdom passed on and practiced indefinitely.

[RG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so happy to finally obtain a decent used copy from Thriftbooks.com. (Beware whatever they are selling on Amazon - these are black and white photocopies in which someone half-way hand colors (with colored pencil) the stunning artwork by Mercer Mayer. I kid you not - I couldn't make this up!) Anyway, I was very happy to obtain this beloved classic from my own childhood. The story is simple and sweet, the illustrations are fantastic, and I am glad to have it back on my bookshelf.

[Sasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Mercer Mayer, and his body of work is hella extensive (as well as impressive). Plus, he's married to Marianna Mayer, another children's book author I admire who focuses on Greco-Roman myths and Germanic fairy tales. However, this wasn't it, y'all. Not bad, but not the level of expertise I would expect from MM. A bit blase, sad to say.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short funny story set near China by Jay Williams, who also wrote The King With Six Friends and the Danny Dunn series. Each person’s description of what a dragon looks like reminded me of an article I saw recently about how people’s description of God reflects who they are.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another childhood favorite that I still have in my library- this beautifully illustrated tale teaches that no matter our circumstances, we can choose to be courteous and kind and - who knows? - we may meet a dragon and save a kingdom. Fairytale at its best.

[Eme87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Chinese folk tale of treating strangers with kindness and the rewards that can bring.

[Drake Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised that I never saw/read this as a kid, honestly.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute story, and the baby I read it to seemed intrigued. The pictures were great.

[Boxofdelights · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming fairy tale, written by Jay Williams and beautifully illustrated by Mercer Mayer.

[Wetdryvac Wetdryvac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still a favorite, despite some unfortunate.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My four year old approves but says she doesn’t like the people in the story, only the dragon. I have to say that this author’s works are fantastic and I wish he was more well-known.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Mercer Mayer can illustrate nightmares. Who would've guessed?

[Chuck Ledger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost 50 years ago, somehow, this book did not win the Caldecott. Still just as great today.