The Silver Donkey

Ever wanted to read a powerful book that is about bravery, loyalty and sacrifice? Well, you have finally found the perfect book for you!

The Silver Donkey is about three children Coco, Pascal and Marcelle who find man who is blind and has run away from war. He has no food, shelter or money and not to mention he can’t see a thing. This Frenchman, Monsieur Shepard tells the children stories in return for their kindness.  Every story he tells revolves around the keepsake he carries in his pocket; a tiny, silver donkey. 

Coco, the youngest, loves Monsieur Shepard and enjoyed listening to his stories. Every day, as Monsieur Shepard tells his stories, he gives his silver donkey to Coco. Coco holds the Silver Donkey and plays with it like it is her own. She is the most outgoing character and is always the one to remember to bring the food and blankets for Monsieur Shepard.

This story is set in World War 1 in France. Once Monsieur Shepard has escaped from the war he has a plan to try and sail across the English Channel to get back home to see his brother, John who was very ill. John had found the silver donkey while digging in the garden whilst being very sick. Monsieur Shepard had been carrying it around ever since as believed it created good luck. The message in this story is to always be loyal and accept people for who they are as Coco, Marcelle and Pascal accept Monsieur Shepard. They are loyal to him as they look after him every day and help him get home and sacrifice their own time to be with him and keep him company.

In my opinion, The Silver Donkey is one of my favourite books and I really enjoyed reading it. The way the three children will try and do anything to look after Monsieur Shepard is a great example of how loyal they are to him. I could not put this book down and I would definitely recommend it to other people.

By Jesse St. Ledger