The Small One

by Alex Walsh

In this inspiring tale, a young boy is heartbroken when he has to sell his favorite donkey, Small One. But the boy's unhappiness is lessened when he finally finds a man who will give Small One the love and care he deserves -- little knowing that the man is Joseph and that Small One will become the steed on which Mary rides to Bethlehem.This board book edition is just right for the very young child, with simplified text and sturdy board pages.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Picture Books, Holiday, Christian, Religion, Juvenile

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book from our collection that our kids never really cared for. After rereading it I get why they didn’t care for it.
Slow and boring.

[Taylor Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit more of an advanced read for some elementary school students, but with the aid of the teacher it can be used at all elementary levels. The cultural aspects within this book are great for discussions in the classroom about diversity. It is a very sweet story, however is is also religious in mentioning Mary and Bethlehem, so depending on the policies of religion in my classroom it may be one for the shelf and not the read aloud.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An abridgement of Walsh's slightly longer story based on the Disney short film. A tiny read that brings the Christmas spirit. I've always enjoyed the film and we somehow had this book. But it is opening my eyes to the original story and author.

[Amara · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, the donkey can't carry small sticks of wood, but he CAN carry a pregnant woman on a journey?

Way sad for the little boy who had to give up his pet.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story. It was a christmas tradition in my family to watch the cartoon and when I stumbled across the book I knew I had to have it. This is such a great story of love and sacrifice.

[Concetta Kellough · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a little on the boring side so I was going to give it a 3, but the first graders I read it to were engrossed in it and liked it so I gave it a 4.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. That one made me tear up. It was really sweet. I liked the illustrations and the story very much.

[Little Seesaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tender book about the little donkey that would carry Mary the mother of the Christ child.

[Melissa Swistek · Rating 1 out of 5]

9/10 times I tried to read this to my son, he would scream and protest. When we finally sat down to read this together, I could see why.

[Riley Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Amber read this book to me! I enjoyed it

[Gwynfor · Rating 4 out of 5]

✔️🧒🏻

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Small One by Alex Walsh and illustrated by Jesse Clay is a Disney version based upon the short Disney film, of The Small One: A Story for Those Who Like Christmas and Small Donkeys by Charles Tazewell.
"Forced to sell his beloved donkey Small One, now old and weak, a young boy from Nazareth finds the perfect buyer in a man who is seeking a donkey to carry his wife, Mary, to Bethlehem, in a heartwarming story based on a Disney animated short."
Lexile Measure: 400L

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is adorable. It is based on Disney's Christmas short about a young boy who has to sell his old donkey but cannot find the right owner for him. Finally, a young man, whose wife is about to give birth, asks if he can buy him and, for those who know the Bible story of Jesus' birth, we know this man is Joseph and his wife is Mary.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the Disney movie, The Small One is the story of a young boy and his pet donkey whom he needs to sell at the market. A beautiful story of love, and the beginning of the Christmas story. This story has been a favorite of mine for many many years.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about the love a boy has for his pet, and best friend, donkey. It is a good example of friendship and love and making sure his donkey is taken care of when he can no longer keep him. Beautiful pictures and a good story.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a boy with a very old donkey. This donkey ends up being the one to carry Mary to Bethlehem. It was a very touching story.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Brett was very, very small she liked it, it was in fact one of her most liked books. When Brett got older, she loved it. In fact it became one of her most favorite books ever.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my kids received this book as a Christmas present when she was younger. The message in this book is for young and old. Beautiful story

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma brought this book home from school. Great, great, great book!!! The book shows you that everyone has a purpose, even the weak ones!

[Teri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just barely OK in my opinion. I won't go out of my way to check it out again. But my daugher loved it only because she'd just seen the Disney cartoon in her church class.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute, and I loved the idea that someone finally gave a story to the donkey picked to carry Mary.

[Katie (BooksRUs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute!!

[Corrine Lussier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super cute without being overly "christmas Christian" focused. Makes me cry every time when he has to sell his beloved donkey. Makes me want to hold my animal tighter. Must kids read!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the book! Love the movie!

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great christmas story. we read it every year!!

[Renyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorites when i was young. finding out the story of the donkey that carried Mary was huge in my 5 year old mind. Even if you aren't christian it's a wonderful story of the love between a boy and his pet that doesn't slam the religious aspect in your face. a good read for any child