Davenport Dumpling

William Blackburn is a professor of English at the University of
Calgary.

In this book, McConnell, who has written more than 150 works in French
and English, gives the reader what could be described as a culinary
sociopolitical allegory in verse. Davenport is a vain young dumpling who
naturally expects to star in a dish of his own. He is indignant when
kitchen democracy strikes and he learns he is to be consigned to a stew.
The vegetables—“each felt meant to shine alone”—are likewise
distressed, but soon reconcile themselves to their common cause and
fate. In a markedly literal metaphor, the stewpot, with its multiracial
vegetables (whimsically realized in Lott’s colorful and sprightly
illustrations), functions admirably as a melting pot—with one notable
exception. Gordo Garlic remains a social outcast, until—shades of
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Ugly Duckling, etc.—the chef decrees that Gordo
is essential to the stew.

McConnell’s verse is supple and witty, his touch light, and his
message eminently acceptable (if a trifle trite). Lott’s full-page
illustrations provide a fine complement to a well-told but predictable
story.