About This Book
Reach for this book when your child begins asking complex questions about the blurred lines between right and wrong, or when they are ready to explore the emotional weight of history through a lens of compassion. Set in France during the Great War, the story follows two young sisters who discover a blind English soldier hiding in the woods. To thank them for their help and food, he shares a series of fables centered on a small silver donkey, each exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the quiet dignity of all living things. It is a sophisticated yet gentle exploration of integrity and the human cost of conflict. Parents will appreciate the way it models empathy for those who are suffering from unseen wounds, like post-traumatic stress, while maintaining a sense of wonder through the nested storytelling. It is an ideal choice for children aged 9 to 12 who are transitioning into more nuanced historical fiction.
