Friend or Foe

A Modern-Day Fable Covering Politics, Economics, the Environment, and ImmigrationConservative and liberal politics butt heads over economics, the environment, and immigration in a modern-day Animal Farm and Ant-and-the-Grasshopper style fable in Arthur Mills' Friend or Foe.
Friend or Foe storylineTolmie State Park seems like a paradise for all the birds and woodland animals, with enough fruit, nuts, seeds, and acorns for everyone. But one day, Mitch the chipmunk is surprised when a flock of blue jays takes residence in the park. They seem friendly at first, but they are not above mocking Mitch and his wife for their hard work preparing for winter. One day, the chipmunks discover someone is stealing from their hard-earned stores. Soon, the blue jays engage in persuasive rhetoric, turning the other animals against the chipmunks. Like a surreal version of the French Revolution gone wrong, the hardworking chipmunks are persecuted and left trying to survive, while their former friends lack all common sense. Soon, the rash behavior of those around them causes the chipmunks and their persecutors to realize an economic and environmental nightmare has begun for everyone. Friend or Foe is a modern-day fable covering politics, economics, the environment, and immigration that ties together the deepest concerns of our present day. Friend or Foe will educate younger readers about work ethics and proper conservation efforts. In comparison, older readers may be frightened by its relevance to our current immigration policies.
How can Friend or Foe contribute to your personal and intellectual growth?Reading Friend or Foe is paramount as it offers lessons relevant to all ages, fostering a lifelong connection. It deepens one's understanding of ecosystems, showcasing the complexity of our environment. The book promotes perspective-taking and nurturing empathy towards different viewpoints. Through its story, readers develop a rich literary appreciation. The story emphasizes engagement with nature, reminding us of our inherent bond with the earth. By celebrating various characters, it cultivates an appreciation for diversity. The challenges presented hone problem-solving skills, provide insight into current issues, and, crucially, promote discussion, encouraging readers to engage in meaningful conversations.