The Donkeys' Tales/The Donkey's Easter Tale

PreS-Gr 3—Two connected stories (Pelican, 2008) by Adele Colvin tell about the life of Jesus from the perspective of a young donkey who hears from his mother how his grandmother carries Mary on the long journey to Bethlehem and is in the stable when shepherds and wise men come to worship the baby Jesus. She takes Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to Egypt when they flee King Herod, brings them back to Nazareth, and recounts events from Jesus's childhood. When the young donkey grows older, he carries Jesus into Jerusalem as people lay palm branches in the road. In the second story, this same donkey—now grown old—tells his grandchildren about that triumphant entry and the last week in Jesus's life, as the donkey witnesses the Last Supper, Christ's crucifixion, and his resurrection that first Easter. Implicit in the legacy handed down from one generation to another is the joy of knowing and humbly serving Jesus. Suzanne Mann narrates while music, mostly on guitar but sometimes including flute and organ, plays in the background. This blend of music and story effectively complements Mann's narration. Youngsters will take this telling to heart any time of the year.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN