Dragon Stew

Domenic diCiacca

2/20/2004

Review by Molly

Dragon Stew is a light hearted book of poetry meant for ‘kids’ of all ages. The writer tells us that while dragons have no written language they are responsible for ‘any work that sounds like a song or has to do with home or country.’ Domenic diCiacca lists himself as Dragon Manicurist, hence his understanding of dragon lore.

"Scotland" is an ode to dragon homeland. "Dragon Stew" begins ‘I ate a chocolate-covered dragon for lunch.’ "Picnic Bandit" tells the tale of how a dragon made off not only with the picnic, but the picnicker as well. "Used Dragon Lot", "Who wouldn’t", and "Vacation" provide the reader a little more insight into everyday life of dragons. "Sniffles", "Keepsies", "George" and "St. George" are sure to bring a smile to the lips of the most glum. "Tree Bones", "Land Mine", "Financial Blues", and "Boosted" continue the fun while "Dragon Creed", "Dragon Philosophy" and "Dragon Proverb" show a more ‘serious’ side. "Not In California" explains why I never saw a dragon during my childhood spent there in the state. "Windstead Ecclesiastes Rose" reveals why the little fellow has hung out a sign "Smokeless dragon for hire." He rattles when he runs in "I Swallowed My Marbles". "Dragonish" and "Dragon Needs" are meant to aide dragons in daily living. "A Present From Gus" is a plea to Uncle Gus to reclaim his gift. "Barbers and Dragons", "Habit", "Matilda", "Sweet Tooth" and "Late Summer Bales" keep up the festivity. "The Classic American Western" is a fun poem accompanied by a great illustration. "Dragon’s Lament", "Etiquette", "It’s Alarming", "Dragon Ham", "Salmon Tattoo", and "Duck and Dragon" give us another peek into the lives of dragons. "Dragon Stomp Blues" and "Blueses" show the musical side of dragons, "Tea" and "All You Ever Make" round out the offerings.

On the pages of Dragon Stew writer/illustrator Domenic diCiacca demonstrates his expertise as he presents a glorious work meant to be enjoyed by ‘kids’ from age one to one hundred. With the clever diCiacca’s often tongue in cheek, jollity filled poems and cheery illustrations filling each of the pages; the reader is allowed opportunity to sit back and simply enjoy the fun found in Dragon Stew. DiCiacca’s inclination for the comical is well presented in this wonderful little work. The book is replete with diCiaccca’s graphic renderings of dragons of every character accompanied by delightful poetry.

Scottish native DiCiacca lives today in Missouri, USA where his family includes dogs, horses, two cats, ‘a red head,’ and I suppose perhaps the occasional dragon. Writer DiCiacca proves his versatility, humor and joy of life in this fun filled collection of poems and accompanying illustrations. Dragon Stew is not a serious, cheerless volume filled with drear elegy, deep roundel or epic saga. Dragon Stew is a perfect mix of almost sagacious, almost sedate, almost dignified. This is a assortment of light-hearted, effervescent poetry sure to stir the interest of the most perceptive reader who is hoping for a pleasant afternoon read.

This is A Brokentoe Publication.