The Conquerors

The General of a powerful country sends his troops into the last unconquered territory, but to their surprise, when they march across the border, they meet with no resistance. Instead, the enemy welcomes them as guests and the soldiers soon hang up their uniforms and make friends with the locals, playing their games and listening to their stories.

The General, furious, replaces them with new troops. Only to discover that when he returns home many of the customs from the little country have found their way back with the soldiers.

This is a thought-provoking tale, which raises many questions about war, peace and military power. The boldly simplified illustrations of rows and rows of child-like soldiers, smartly turned out in red uniforms and marching relentlessly onwards, are at once magnificent and ridiculous, and serve to underline the poignant message.