The Silver Donkey

The Silver Donkey by Sonya Hartnett is a moving and enchanting story set during the aftermath of war. One spring morning, in the peaceful woods of France, two sisters, Coco and Marcelle, find a soldier who has been blinded by the horrors of war. In gratitude for their kindness, the soldier shares captivating tales, each one linked to the tiny silver donkey he keeps in his pocket.

As the soldier struggles to find his way home, the sisters secretly help him, learning along the way the true significance of the silver donkey - a symbol of honesty, loyalty, and courage. This beautifully written novel explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of stories, offering a tender and heartfelt experience for readers of all ages.

Benefits for Educational Use:

• Character Development: Explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and compassion, ideal for discussions on character development.
• History Integration: Can be used in history lessons to explore the effects of war on individuals and families.
• Moral Lessons: Encourages reflection on themes such as kindness, sacrifice, and the importance of helping others.
• Storytelling: Inspires students to think about the role of stories and symbols in culture and memory.
• Emotional Learning: Helps young readers understand complex emotions related to loss, kindness, and recovery.

Classroom Ideas:

• Discussion Prompts: Have students discuss the symbolism of the silver donkey and what it represents in the story.
• Creative Writing: Ask students to write a story based on an object of sentimental value, similar to the soldier's silver donkey.
• History Lesson: Use the book to introduce discussions about World War I and its effects on civilians and soldiers.
• Art Project: Have students draw or create their interpretation of the silver donkey and other symbols from the story.
• Character Study: Focus on the development of Coco, Marcelle, and the soldier, discussing their motivations and relationships.

Product Details:

• Ages: 9-12
• Book Size: 197 (H) x 130 (W) mm
• Pages: 208
• Format: Paperback