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French Titles

		KOLETAILLE SYLVIE PINSONNEAULT ILLUSTRATIONS: LINO MONTRÉAL: LES 400 COUPS, 2002. 32 P. (CARRÉ BLANC) ISBN 2895400652 AGES 6 TO 9
Koletaille Source

The only "hero" of this unusual book is a tank called Koletaille. He is a mass of contradictions: the very image of power and conflict, Koletaille comes across as a juggernaut -- but also as a great lump of useless metal. He is the epitome of the forces of destruction and the embodiment of warrior pride. Fond of camouflage, he is all too visible. Encased in heavy armour, he moves nimbly on his tractor feet. He dreams of being a secret agent, but makes the most horrendous racket when he moves. And this metal monster just loves to travel.

The stark realism of the illustrations that accompany this large-format Koletaille is somewhat softened by the subtle humour of the text. Although tones of yellow and brown prevail, a number of the more dramatic scenes were depicted using red and black.

Another original and instructive feature of the book can be found in the two final pages, where the author lists the actual costs of a tank and goes on to suggest other, more "sensible" uses for this money dedicated to war. These disturbing facts reveal a society unsure of its priorities.

-JMB