Mikis and the Donkey

Description: After his grandfather presents him with a donkey, Mikis falls in love with the creature, but his grandparents tell him that the donkey is a working animal, not a pet. However, they let Mikis choose her nameNTsakiNand allow them to spend Sundays together. Eventually, both Mikis and his grandfather learn what it means to care for another creature. Illustrations.

Brief description: Bibi Dumon Tak is the author of Soldier Bear and Mikis and the Donkey (both Eerdmans), both of which won the Mildred L. Batchelder Award. In 2018 Bibi received the Theo Thijssen Prize, the highest honor for children's authors in the Netherlands. She has previously collaborated with Annemarie van Haeringen on Scout's Heaven (Eerdmans).

Review Quotes: Booklist
"This latest offering from the creators of the Batchelder winner Soldier Bear is a quiet story filled with endearing characters, believable situations, and a sense of the importance of caring for other creatures. Short chapters and frequent pencil drawings make the story accessible for beginning chapter-book readers."

Kirkus Reviews
"This Dutch import offers a glimpse of a far-off land and a gentle lesson on caring for animals. . . . Those children who do connect with Dumon Tak's sweet, quiet tale are likely to find it will resonate deeply."

The Horn Book
"The Dutch creators of Soldier Bear bring a lovely simplicity to this affecting picture of a close-knit Greek community. . . . 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."

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Mikis' love for Tsaki is both palpable and understandable, and animal-loving kids will particularly enjoy this, as will those who appreciate getting a glimpse into the lives of kids in other places."

Kiss the Book
"This well illustrated novella is a gentle story of best friends. . . . The children are nice, the adults are kind and the animals are sweet."

Redeemed Reader (blog)
"A quiet and gentle story, told in a simple style, examining what it takes to care for one of God's creatures in a responsible manner."