Year Two and Year Three- The Conquerors by David McKee

'Marching on' from the previous review, "The Conquerors" is a serious look at the notion of state versus the individual in a child-friendly format. In David McKee's book, a very traditional looking marching army are repeatedly ordered to attack neighbouring territories. After many victories, the army is dispatched to the last unclaimed country. The soldiers find no army waiting for them, and the citizens welcome the soldiers into their midst, offering lodgings, food, and friendship. This acceptance of the foreign culture (much is made of the invaded country having 'different food') annoys the General, who replaces the resident army with a new battalion. The new soldiers again become involved with the local culture, and the General is left with no choice but to miserably return home, having failed to win a famous battle, or conquer the country in style. Elements of life in the invaded country filter back to the land of the army, and McKee keeps the story relevant and open by noting the adoption of the food, clothes, games, and songs as "The spoils of war." As an adult reading this book, much thought and consideration is developed by the simple story. Reflections on the wars, both past and ongoing, that the UK has been involved in are succinctly evaluated in the text. Issues of race and religion are pulled into a simple statement- that we affect each other, and any one culture is dependent on the influence of the cultures surrounding it; McKee makes powerful points in this book- both for children and adult readers alike.


The illustrations in this book are fairly simple; line drawings with pencil colouring that borders on the minimal, except for the bright red tunics and bold blue trousers and hats of the army. Interestingly, closer inspection of the illustrations shows that the pencil colouring often goes 'over the lines'- both an indication of the lack of absolute precision in the plans of the General and a mimicing of children's drawings, perhaps! The text is kept fairly simple, with three or four lines on most pages or double spreads, but a high level of word knowledge is probably needed- words such as General, soldier, paraded, and uniforms will possibly be unrecognised by many children.

This is a fantastic book which works on many levels. The story is enjoyable, and the moral will be lost on few children, providing fantastic opportunities for discussion which can include all ability ranges. From talking about enjoying the story to truly reflecting on the nature of human endeavour, The Conquerors is a powerful book that will enhance any classroom and be appreciated by all who read it.

As ever, click on the pictures to see the pages close-up.