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The Butter Battle Book: (New York Times Notable Book of the Year) (Classic Seuss) Review
User Submitted The Butter Battle Book: (New York Times Notable Book of the Year) (Classic Seuss) ReviewsOctober 19, 2008 Yep, This Is The One -- a review of "The Butter Battle Book" Well, this is the Seuss book that riles the feathers of some adults. It's got a definite anti-war theme and deals with the consequences of a military arms escalation. Who's at war? It's the Yooks and the Zooks. Essentially the same sorts of people, they clash over whether bread should be eaten butter side up or down. The story is told from a little boys (?) perspective and is the only Seuss book I can recall that ends on an ominous note. "Grandpa!" I shouted. "Be careful! Oh gee! Who's going to drop it? Will you...? Or will he..." "Be patient," said Grandpa. "We'll see. We will see..." It's hard to say whether kids pick up on these various messages. My own impression is that they won't, unless you sit and have a chat with them. They will be far too busy listing to the clever rhymes and gazing at the wild Seussian artwork. Meant for practice reading, the Accelerated Reading designation for "The Butter Battle Book" is 3.9 which means that end of year 3rd Graders should be able to read this book themselves without getting too frustrated by words they don't know. The "Official" Interest Level is given as Preschool thru 2nd Grade, but that makes no sense given the reading level. And personally, I would say that it's more appropriate for First thru Fourth Graders. My own two children showed moderate interest in the book and they are currently 6 and 8; boy and girl. They requested multiple reads and the book is a pretty good read-aloud. Not amongst Seuss' best, in my opinion. It IS definitely worth a read. Pam T~ August 23, 2008 Great Book! Love the book! Great for kids. My son thinks the story is so funny!! July 26, 2008 Like most celebrities, Dr. Seuss is a little too simple-minded As a writer and a creator of children's stories, Dr. Seuss was absolutely brilliant; there is no doubt about that. But his childish view of of the Cold War, at his age, is unforgivable. Likening the difference between freedom and Communism to the difference between the location of butter on bread is frustrating, and demonstrates once again how our American celebrities are unbelievably idealistic and out of touch with the realities of the world. February 18, 2008 Wars are often fought over dumb things This is what my 8 year old son got out of reading The Butter Battle Book and that you should always accept peoples differences. It is one of his favorite books and it is timeless. September 27, 2007 Not appropriate for young children This is not appropriate book for young children. It's a bit violent with too much political undercurrents. The rhythm and rhyme are off as well. Choose another Seuss book. September 22, 2007 The Butter Battle Book Dr Seuss reaks of fun. I have never read a Dr Seuss book I didn't like!! July 31, 2007 disappointd I bought this Seuss because it was rated as a number one with NewYork. I thought it was over the top Cold warish and it simplified the problem in a very trivial way. I would not recommend it to anyone and was quit disappionted in the strong political nature of this book. Thumbs down ): February 15, 2007 Another great allegory from the undisputed champion of children's writing This book was written years after the Lorax, but it certainly has a lot in common with Suess' most controversial and perhaps powerful book. The book is essentially an allegory of the cold war. With two different ideologies battling it out in secret rooms with weapons that are never used. Like the Lorax, this book is great for children and adults alike, because it discusses such an important subject in such an accessible and colorful way. Adults will see the parallel between the book and the conflict of the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. and children will see an allegory for themes such as racism , and other thoughtless ignorances. This is a powerful book, and in my belief an essential part of anyone's libary. If you are the mother or father of a young child, my reccomendation goes much deeper. Use this book as a way to start a discussion on any conflict that doesn't make sense to the child. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially as a teaching aid. February 7, 2007 The first world (U.S./capitalism) The second world (USSR/communism) This is the truth of the situation. Adults should have to read this, starting with W. December 21, 2006 Overlong and forced, feels like an imposter. This didn't feel like an authentic Seuss, just as another reviewer has pointed out... The narrative is stiff, the rhymes lacking fluidity and humor, and the story is just plain dull. Although I have no problem at all with presenting anti-war and anti-arms-proliferation sentiment in a format suitable for a child, I don't think that this book does it well. The overall impression I get is that of a message being sent in the style of Seuss, with rehashed elements, rather than a genuinely entertaining Seuss book. For more The Butter Battle Book: (New York Times Notable Book of the Year) (Classic Seuss) reviews click here.
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