From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5 - A General, who rules a large country where the people believe that "their way of life [is] the best," conquers nearby nations "So they can be like us." When he and his army finally invade the only realm not under his dominion, its citizens offer no resistance. Instead, they welcome the soldiers. When fresh forces are sent in, they, too, become completely acculturated. Food and customs wend their way back to the General's land, while he remains oblivious to the ways in which he and his people have been enriched by their contact with their neighbors. Executed in oil pastels, McKee's cartoon illustrations show troops dressed in red and blue marching in lockstep behind their leader in his Napoleon-like hat, drooping mustache, and gold epaulets. In a comical spread, one group of soldiers ordered home from the small country meanders along the top of the pages, laughing and talking, while their replacements march in strict formation below. Readers will not fail to note how ridiculous the General and his army appear during their homecoming parade as they erroneously chant, "We are the conquerors." The title's irony and the futility of war are evident in this modern fable. Pair it with Mem Fox's
Feathers and Fools (Harcourt, 1996) to spark a lively discussion.
- Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community College, CT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"...the simple presentation of this serious theme makes a fine conversation opener." --
The Horn Book
