Jack and the Dragon

Jack and the Dragon is an American traditional Jack tale told twice. The story passed to Lynn Salsi by way of an old tale told by Appalachian Mountain Settlers in the 1700's. Jack usually encounters a villain in the shape of a giant man who stalks into people's homes when they least suspect it. He may borrow something or eat their dinner. The late Ray Hicks of Beech Mountain, North Carolina, considered the greatest American storyteller of his time, and his granddaddy Benjamin Hicks called the character a "Draga Man" or "Dragon Man" who filled his pipe with coals from Jack's fireplace. Jerry Harmon said his grandpa, Ben Harmon, called the character a "Draga man" with a beard down to his knees.

In this story, Lynn Salsi and James Young have given the trickster, Jack, enough powers to confront a magnificent dragon with flashing yellow eyes. This amazing story will enchant young readers and story listeners.

The original "Fire Draga' Man" tale can be found in Appalachian Jack Tales Told by Hicks, Ward, and Harmon Families by Lynn Salsi with illustrations by James Young,

In this delightful retelling of an ancient traditional story, Jack, learns how to best a dragon and his two older brothers. Readers will enjoy the extra touch of magic in the gifts Jack receives.

Lynn Salsi is the author of books for children and adults. She has won many writing awards including the American Library Association Notable Book Award. Lynn likes to share Jack tales and hopes that one day Jack will be as important to American folklore as Pecos Bill and Paul Bunyan.

James Young is a children's author and illustrator of twenty-three books. He is known for his fanciful illustrations that bring books to life. He teaches students and teachers how to create picture books and plays the banjo with Nutbush Ramblers.

Lynn and James are featured in the North Carolina Touring Artists Directory. They received the Clark Cox Award for Young Ray Hicks Learns the Jack Tales.