Boiko, Claire. The Insatiable Dragon. Plays, Inc., 1967. ISBN 6721413. Royalty Free. 10 pp. Reviewer: Lena Wagner Reading Level: All Rating: Outstanding Genre: Folklore; Plays; Subject: Drama--Reviews; Drgaons--Juvenile drama; Magic--Juvenile drama; Fire--Juvenile drama; Theme: Don't play with fire Production Requirements: 2 simple sets, a gong, a little dragon hand puppet Acts: 1 Run Time: 10 min. Characters: 8 M/f Cast: Children Time Period: Long ago This play takes place in a time when fire had not been discovered yet. It chronicles the story of a magician who finds a new dragon called Fire that could solve many of the problems in the city. The magician leaves his apprentice with this new dragon and the apprentice allows the dragon to get out of control and it burns down the magician's house. The magician uses this as an example of how dangerous fire can be if you do not watch it closely. This play is perfect for younger elementary audiences to both participate in and view. The plot line is simple for children to understand without talking down to them. Some difficulties may be trying to choreograph the fire scene as the fire gets out of control and figuring out how to use water to put out the fire. This would be an excellent story to teach children about drama as well as the dangers of fire.
