The Battle of Zormla captures the unpredictable logic of playtime where one eyed teddy bears pose a grand but safe challenge. Russell Hoban uses subversive humor and eccentric characters to validate the way children transform their everyday surroundings into epic fantasy worlds. Books in this family share an absurdist spirit and low stakes conflict rooted in the power of imagination.
Reach for this book when your child is deep in the world of pretend, or when they need to see that 'conflict' can be transformed into creative, collaborative play. Russell Hoban's quirky story captures the essence of a child's logic where cardboard boxes become fortresses and teddy bears are brave soldiers. It speaks directly to the whimsical inner life of children who find magic in the mundane. The story follows the Empress of Zurm and her companions as they prepare for a 'battle' invited by Zormla and his squad of one-eyed teddy bears. While the title suggests a war, the reality is a delightful, absurdist celebration of imagination and friendship. It is perfectly suited for children ages 5 to 9 who appreciate high-energy play but benefit from seeing that everyone can go home as friends at the end of the day. Parents will love how it validates the serious business of being a child at play.
