“A winning tale of love.” —Kirkus
Reading age 8-10 ( )

Book judged by its cover, and judgment was confirmed. It's not too much of a spoiler to reveal that Winslow is not the only one who is saved.
There's a lot going on in this book. Kid lit has come a long way in the last 50 years.

Kids & Baby animals - it is well written & would be enjoyed by younger kids who love animal stories - there is also some subtext around friendship, loss & the main character is missing his brother who is on active duty in the military that might strike a chord with the slightly older middle school readers.

But it didn't grab me as much as I would have expected. ( )

How can anyone not love Sharon Creech's work? Impossible. This short, sweet story will (excuse the cliche) tug at your heartstrings. Louie is caring for Winslow, a tiny donkey born to an ailing mother who is not able to care for him. Louie defies anyone who says Winslow might not make it. He himself was born premature and tiny and HE made it. But the brother of his new friend Nora had not made it; she's afraid to get close to anyone or anything that might leave or die. Add to this Louie missing his older brother who is serving in the army. And then there's the neighbor who complains constantly that the donkey (as Winslow—spoiler alert—begins to grow stronger) is waking her baby with his noise. And his friend Mack's love life. And Louie's tender heart and an artist's way of looking at the world.

Yesterday I would have told you that donkeys don't interest me. Today, I cried reading about a fictional one.

Adding this to our grade 4 and 5 school library immediately. While it is a book for everyone, it's a bonus that the short chapters will appeal to my reluctant readers. And once they read this, I'll have them hooked on books. Thanks, Sharon. ( )

Narrated by Kirby Heybourne. Louie's father brings home an ailing baby donkey. Everyone is sure it will die but Louie takes on the mission of caring for Winslow and keeping him alive and growing. With big brother Gus away in the military, the family feels his absence keenly. Caring for Winslow gives Louie purpose while missing Gus. As always, Heybourne brings out the story's humor and affection. ( )