"With its rhythm and sounds, this adaptation of a Chinese folktale begs to be read aloud. Visually it advances like the unrolling of an O riental scroll ." — School Library Journal

Named a Best Picture Book by San Francisco Chronicle and Book Links

Selected for California Collections by California Readers, 2000

When Chan is given a perfect jade stone and is commanded to carve a dragon from it, he senses a different destiny for the gem—and for himself. Perfect for middle readers and warmly illustrated by painter Ju-Hong Chen, this Chinese folktale offers a clear and gentle message of artistic truth and a lesson in staying true to one's self.

"A tale about artistic integrity, told with such artful simplicity that it'll be easily accessible to young children." — Kirkus Reviews

"This solid retelling of a traditional Chinese folktale concerns artistic integrity . . . This moral tale has a timeless—and somewhat timely—quality." — Publishers Weekly

"Yacowitz's thoughtful adaptation of a traditional Chinese folktale explores the theme of truth in art." — Booklist