Another moving animal tale from the award-winning author of One day, Mikis’s grandfather has a surprise for him: a new donkey waiting! Mikis falls in love with the creature, but his grandparent
Another moving animal tale from the award-winning author of Soldier Bear
One day, Mikis’s grandfather has a surprise for him: a new donkey waiting! Mikis falls in love with the creature, but his grandparents tell him that the donkey is a working animal, not a pet. However, they still let Mikis choose her name -- Tsaki -- and allow the two of them to spend their Sundays together. Mikis and Tsaki soon become fast friends, and together the two have some grand adventures. Eventually, both Mikis and his grandfather learn a bit more about what exactly it means to care for another creature.
Brought to life by drawings from Philip Hopman, Bibi Dumon Tak’s gentle, humorous story is perfect for any readers who may have their own soft spot for animals.
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."
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Bibi Dumon Tak is a Dutch author who has written several non-fiction titles for children, beginning with The Cow Book in 2001. In her books, Bibi blends literary technique with fact to produce stories that are both compelling and accurate. Soldier Bear is her first novel based on a historical event.
Philip Hopman was born the youngest son of a tulip farmer. But he chose a career in children's books instead of tulips, and he has illustrated more than 150 books since 1988, including Earth to Stella (Clarion) and 22 Orphans (Kane/Miller).
View Biographical note
