The Silver Donkey
by Sonya Hartnett, illustrated by Laura Carlin
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+
Published by Walker Books, 2008
About this book
In French woodland, sisters Coco and Marcelle find and help a blind English deserter from the battlefront, trying to ensure he reaches home. In return for their kindness the soldier tells them marvellous tales, connected to the keepsake he carries in his pocket: a tiny, silver donkey. Over time, the sisters learn the truth behind the silver donkey and what it means to him.
Hartnett displays stylistic skill in the simplicity of her prose and the depth of experience it conveys. The soldier's recollection of battlefield horror is poignantly juxtaposed with the safe quiet of the woodland. The characterisation of the sisters, both courageous and loyal, one impulsive and the other more reflective, is deftly achieved. A future classic.
About the author
More books like this
-
An Eagle in the Snow
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
5 to 14 years
-
War Horse (Francois Place)
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Francois Place
9 to 14 years
-
Over the Line
by Tom Palmer
9 to 14 years
-
The Blitz Sisters
by Judith Eagle
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books about World War I
War can be a difficult subject for children to understand properly, especially the conflict of the First World War. These books will offer young readers a range of different perspectives on the conflict.