Writing

Donkey’s First Christmas
9/12/2011 4:25:22 PM by: Elsi

Being little more than a child myself (at 64), I enjoy children’s books, and I especially love children’s Christmas stories. So I eagerly looked forward to receiving my complimentary copy of The Donkey’s First Christmas, by Susanne Schroder, as part of BookCrash’s book review program. When it came, I emailed the author, wondering if I’d gotten a draft copy instead of the final work. The line “I might try looking ill” is repeated on page 9, and several of the pages appear to be in draft form, as far as illustrations are concerned—although pages 20 through 23 have lovely watercolor pictures; if all the pictures were finished that well, they might counterbalance the lack of story.

In addition, I question some of the vocabulary: Do yard and loud rhyme? Will berserk be understood by the picture-book set? Mary gives the donkey a pear … in Israel? Is used up all my might a familiar phrase?

These issues would fade into the background if I could figure out the point of the story. It’s cute, but that’s all there is to it. The donkey was lazy, and Mary encouraged him. Okay. And … and what? The donkey didn’t learn anything. The reader doesn’t learn anything, either. There’s a casual mention of the birth of God’s Son, without even giving His name or explaining the connection with Christmas.

I love the story of Christmas as told in the Bible. I used to put my doll’s house people and pets into the Nativity scene when I was a child. I smile fondly even at the little drummer boy. But … I’m sorry, I just don’t connect with this donkey.

Comments
9/20/2011 6:12:33 PM
   
  The author is right—the new version has wonderful paintings throughout the book!
   
  Elsi,  
   
9/15/2011 5:17:26 AM
   
  newbie
   
  Susanne T Schroder,  
   
 

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