In The Island of the Skog (1973) by Steven Kellogg, a small band of oppressed mice sail to a new land in search of peace and freedom. Their ship goes off course; nevertheless, they arrive at their intended destination and claim ownership of the land. The beginning of this story has a hauntingly familiar historical echo. Bouncer, the voice of militancy, overrides the other mice and advances upon the Island of Skog by assaulting it with cannonballs. This approach almost ends in tragedy. "If only we had talked to each other," says Jenny, the voice of peace. When their fearful delusions dissolve into reality, even Bouncer reappraises the situation. The ending of this story may prompt debate in older students who are willing to read this mouse tale as allegory.
My Picture Book Talk lesson for this story is here.
