Additional Book Information
Series: NYRB Kids
ISBN: 9781590179642
Pages: 56
Publication Date: March 8, 2016
Donkey-Donkey
by Roger Duvoisin
Donkey-donkey has a problem. Despite his many friends and his good master, he is sad because his ears are so long and ridiculous. If only Donkey-donkey could have short sensible ears like his friend Pat the horse, he would be content. So he seeks the advice of his fellow farm animals who suggest he wear his ears differently, more like theirs: floppy like the dog’s, to the side like the sheep’s, to the front like the pig’s. But each unnatural arrangement leads to increasing insult and injury. Finally a little girl passing by remarks on the beauty of the pretty little donkey’s ears!
At last Donkey-donkey is happy. A classic tale of vanity and folly, and learning to accept oneself—protrudent ears, redundant name, and all.
Click to enlarge image
Praise
You will want to find a copy of this one. It’s funny…a delight.
—Julie Danielson, Kirkus
Cheerful farm-set illustrations with fine black lines and washes of color add humor to Donkey-donkey's plight. Duvoisin's 'be yourself' message is as relevant today as it was in the eighty-three years since the book's original publication.
—Elissa Gershowitz, The Horn Book Magazine
[A] delightful book: the pictures...make the point vividly clear even to a very small child.
—New Statesman
The message of this story is that it’s best to be oneself, and Caldecott Medal–winning Duvoisin delivers it with compassion and humor, without being sentimental. He knows how to pace a story, give rhythm to the language, and create inviting, bold illustrations.
—Isabel Baker and Miriam Baker Schiffer, Young Children