Donkey's Easter Tale, The (Donkey Tales) Review
How do you get young children excited to learn about the events leading up to Easter? Author Adele Colvin has come up with a very clever way to do just that - tell the Easter miracle through the eyes of a donkey.
The Donkey's Easter Tale begins in a cozy barn, on a very rainy day. Grandpa Donkey is cuddled up with his two grandchildren. Finally the two youngsters are staying still long enough so that grandpa can tell them a story. Grandpa decides to tell his grandchildren about the time, many years earlier, when he had the honor of being ridden by Jesus. You see, Grandpa Donkey was THE donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
The donkey stayed with Jesus and the disciples throughout Holy Week and recounts all the important events of that time to his grandchildren. Children will learn about the moneychangers in the temple, how Jesus cured the sick, and how Jesus taught through stories called parables (Donkey even tells one of those parables, being sure to explain the meaning). Soon Donkey learns of what Judas plans to do and how Peter will deny the Lord three times. Staying in the background during the trial and crucifixion, he gentle reflects on what has happened. Donkey's tear filled eyes reflect the Lord on the cross; to perhaps avoid upsetting young readers, we are never shown a full-page picture of Jesus on the cross.
Donkey soon accompanies Mary to Jesus' tomb where they see that his body has been moved. What could have happened? Donkey and his human companions soon realize that Jesus has risen! They rush to Galilee to meet their savior.
The Donkey's Easter Tale handles the story of Holy Week and Easter with sensitivity while educating. Told in the first person by "Donkey" (he's never given a name), the reader will discover what is happening along with Donkey. Much like a child, this large eared equine is at first confused by some of the situations (he heard Jesus say that Peter would deny his Lord, but why would Peter do that?). With bright illustrations that include the Donkey in every picture, children will be drawn into this important story and want to read it start to finish.
Quill says: The Donkey's Easter Tale is a beautiful way to teach youngsters about Holy Week and the miracle of Easter.
Donkey's Easter Tale, The (Donkey Tales) Feature
- ISBN13: 9781589805934
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Donkey's Easter Tale, The (Donkey Tales) Overview
Stuck inside their small stable one very rainy afternoon, two little donkeys listen to a story their grandfather tells them, a story that they will always carry in their hearts. Years ago, when the grandfather was still a young donkey, he was called to serve a man named Jesus.
Carrying Jesus on his back into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the faithful donkey stays with the Lord throughout that first Easter week. He watches with fear and awe when Christ overturns the money tables in the Temple and feels blessed to see Jesus cure the sick and teach parables.
At Jesus' side throughout the Last Supper, the agony in the garden, and the betrayal and crucifixion, the donkey experiences Christ's compassion for all creatures and discovers that God's love is for everyone and always will be. After watching Jesus die and mourning his death, the donkey learns of Christ's Resurrection and travels to Galilee to see Jesus once again, experiencing the joy all Christians share at every Easter celebration. Marvelously illustrated, this timeless, thoughtful, and sensitive story teaches children of all ages the meaning of what it is to love and serve Jesus Christ.
