The Zooks on one side of the wall eat their bread with the butter side down; the Yooks on the side eat their bread with the butter side up. This is the reason for the conflict. Each side feels that theirs is the correct manner for eating bread. Becoming suspicious of each other, they construct this wall and devise military means to defend themselves from any attack from the other side. Humorously, the author portrays military strategists as obsessive little men that endlessly work in backrooms creating greater weapons of destruction.
The story ends with the two opposing generals facing each other with the ultimate bomb that will destroy the enemy's land. The grandson of one general asks the question, "Who's going to drop it?" The reply is, "Be patient...we will see."A powerful statement is this for it raises questions about our own relationship in the World Order. Dr. Suess, known for his whimsical excursion into fantasy and lyrical rhyme, has not abandoned these elements. He has just expanded his horizons by writing a children's book for adults. This work should be required reading for military and government leaders worldwide!
The theme of acceptance of differences is the key to this story. When one realizes this, then peace truly will exist on this planet.
How necessary is this since the event of 9/11!
Some reviewers rejoice in our almighty military machine, others recognize this as an allegory about the potential dangers of military proliferation. Read it for yourself. This is not just a children's book. Dr. Seuss has provided a tool to start a dialogue between peoples, young and old, about the all too high cost of conflict.
More importantly, use this book as a starting point to help children understand our world, and some of the difficulties between people. They need more from you than just the birds and the bees . . .
I would recommend the Sneetches, rather than the butter battle book.
