Mikis and the Donkey

Mikis makes friends with his grandpa's donkey, Tsaki, becoming the animal's advocate. Fortunately, the old man is kind as well as gruff; though "Mikis had to give his grandpa donkey lessons," he eventually builds Tsaki an airier stable with Mikis's help. In this affecting picture of a close-knit Greek community, loosely drawn illustrations capture windswept landscapes, village life, and human character with equal aplomb.

Setting the stage on the island of Corfu, Hopman's atmospheric opening illustrations pan in from aerial view to village to Mikis's grandpa under a sycamore tree with his cronies. Grandpa has just gotten a donkey to haul wood -- "they don't guzzle gas, and they usually start the first time." Soon Mikis is making friends with Tsaki and becoming the animal's advocate. Concerned about the chafing caused by heavy loads, the boy seeks medical attention for Tsaki (from an MD, to general amusement); he also arranges a visit with another donkey in case Tsaki is lonely. This is a huge success; as classmate Elena discreetly observes, the two donkeys "were getting along really well back there…really, really well." Fortunately, the old man is kind as well as gruff; though "Mikis had to give his grandpa donkey lessons," he eventually builds Tsaki a cleaner, airier stable with Mikis's help. The Dutch creators of Soldier Bear (rev. 11/11) bring a lovely simplicity to this affecting picture of a close-knit Greek community where a teacher's boyfriend can give her class motorbike rides to general contentment. The generous number of loosely drawn illustrations capture windswept landscapes, village life, and human character and diversity with equal aplomb. Visually inviting and easily read, this would also make a fine read-aloud for younger children. joanna rudge long