Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
The Donkey of Gallipoli: A True Story of Courage in World War I
Two unlikely heroes rescue hundreds of men wounded in war in a poignant picture book based on a true tale of World War I.
When Jack Simpson was a boy in England, he loved leading donkeys along the beach for a penny a ride. So when he enlists as a stretcher bearer in World War I, his gentle way with those animals soon leads him to his calling. Braving bullets and bombs on th...more
When Jack Simpson was a boy in England, he loved leading donkeys along the beach for a penny a ride. So when he enlists as a stretcher bearer in World War I, his gentle way with those animals soon leads him to his calling. Braving bullets and bombs on th...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
May 27th 2008
by Candlewick Press
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
36)
This picture book biography offers a look at one man’s role in World War I. Throughout the story we see how this man puts aside fears of death and the dangers of war to help his sick and fallen comrades all with the help of his donkey. The last few pages of the book offer historical footnotes about the main characters, the battlefield of Gallipoli where the story takes place, and the Turks whom the British were fighting. It offers an introduction to World War I from which students can begin to b...more
view 1 comment
Apr 28, 2009
Jack Kirby and the X-man
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommended to Jack Kirby and the X-man by:
Aussiereviews.com
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Legend is a key part of both countries identity. The landing is seen by many as 'the birth of the nation'. Similarly many of the 'Australian values' that many politicians harp on about (mateship, courage in the face of adversity, egalitarian, etc, etc) are seen to have been epitimised by these ANZACs. A key part of this mythology is the legend of Simpson and his Donkey - retold in this picture book. Certainly John Simpson Kirkpatrick existed, and...more
A great picture book about World War I! This is a story of courage and charity and it made us want to know more about this man and his wonderful donkey (acutally, there were several donkies but Duffy was Jack's favorite.) It made me wonder where I would have been found in that place - helping up and down the mountain or hiding in my tent. Kirkpatrick did desert from the Marines and I've read that he was probably a socialist but whatever his issues, at that moment in history, he stepped up.
The storyline was good but tended to be confusing. For instance, at the beginning of the book it talks about Jack and Billy growing up together but you are not sure when you are reading if it is Billy's donkey, a brother or friend. Only at the very end does it become clear.
An interesting story about the bravery of one man and his donkey who saved hundreds of soldiers during WWI!
I cried.
Deceptively simple looking folk art illustrations, uncluttered narration and sparse, intimate utterings deliver some dark, disturbing details of war in this eye-opening, true tale of courage, carnage and camaraderie.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
Dec 13, 2008
Paige
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommended to Paige by:
CLAU
Shelves:
informational-picture-books
True story about WW1...never thought I would read one starring a donkey.
May 04, 2013
Leah Wall
marked it as to-read
Apr 14, 2013
Amy
marked it as to-read
Mar 24, 2013
Araz Shako
marked it as to-read
Jan 07, 2013
Christine
marked it as to-read
Apr 26, 2012
Nida
added it
Oct 01, 2011
Sandy
marked it as to-read
Apr 12, 2010
Candlewick Press
added it
Jul 31, 2009
Geniaus
added it
Feb 11, 2009
Suz
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
