While sorting through the books in the history room of the library one day, I came across a children's book. The cover was intriguing so I decided to give it a quick perusal. I couldn't put it down. It starts off with an idyllic picture of a planet in harmony - Wump World - and one would think how nice it is to see cute creatures enjoying their peaceful surroundings. It quickly takes a turn as a spaceship lands and creatures that look awfully similar to humans disembark. From there is gets very dark indeed. The invaders, aptly from the planet Pollutus, annihilate this utopia and then make a hasty retreat after finding a new planet to repeat their clueless evil elsewhere. Lest you think this is far too dark a story for children, there is a bright moment at the end. When all appears gone and lost, the Wumps reappear to find their planet almost completely decimated except for small areas of hope. While the implication is that they will survive and heal, their planet will never be the same because of the Pollutians. BTW - you guessed it -- the Pollutians are us. Human beings who refuse to respect and care for the planet they live on. Now here's the part where prophecy comes into play. The book was published in 1970. Dr. Seuss's book with a very similar theme, The Lorax, was published the following year. These books were a wake up call that is yet to be heeded.
We do indeed live in a sad, sad time.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. Thank you for bringing attention to this book. I was unaware of this title. Bill Peet was such a prolific illustrator and storyteller.
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