Title

The Silver Donkey A Novel for Children

Author

Hartnett, Sonya

Illustrator

Spudvilas, Anne

Publisher

Penguin Books Australia

Published Date

2004

Annotation

A gentle, haunting story set in France during World War 1. Two sisters discover a temporarily blinded English soldier, who has deserted his group. He tells them three stories based on his keepsake, a small silver donkey. Each story alternately features endurance, stoicism and other qualities needed in times of war. Traits of humanity and courage during war underlie this tale.

Key Concepts

History, Kindness, Resilience, War

Audience

Upper primary

AC Links/EYLF

English, Geography, HASS, History, ACELA1500, ACELA1502, ACELT1608, ACELT1609, ACELT1610, ACELT1612, ACELA1515, ACELA1518, ACELT1613, ACELT1614, ACHASSK134, ACHASSK135, ACHASSK136, ACHASSK137, ACHASSK138, ACHASSK139, ACHASSK140, ACHASSK141