The Donkey's Dream (Picture Puffins) [Mass Market Paperback]

Barbara Helen Berger (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 1999 | Age Level: 3 and up | Series: Picture Puffins

A beautifully illustrated story of the Nativity

He was just an ordinary donkey, but on his back he carried a miracle. He carried the Virgin Mary to Bethlehem on the night she gave birth. Along the way he dreamed he was carrying a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose. He dreamed he was carrying a lady full of heaven--and he was. Barbara Helen Berger's glowing artwork and lyrical text perfectly convey the beauty and majesty of the story of the Nativity.

"Like the Christmas message itself, this is simple enough for young listeners to understand yet full of complexities for older children and adults to ponder." --Booklist, starred review

* A 1985 Golden Kite Award winner
* An ABA Pick of the Lists
* A Booklist Editors' Choice Book

* A Picture Puffin
* Full-color illustrations
* 32 pages
* Ages 3-8

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A donkey wakes from a dream of unusual burdens to find that he has carried Mary to the stable where Jesus was born. "The paintings are glorious, reverent versions of the Nativity in which colors intensify the impact of visions and reality," said PW. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Barbara Helen Berger is the author and illustrator of several books for children, including Grandfather Twilight, When the Sun Rose, and The Jewel Heart. She lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (September 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698116054
• ISBN-13: 978-0698116054
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,069,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars unique nativity story, November 14, 2000

By 

"readertoo" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Donkey's Dream (Picture Puffins) (Mass Market Paperback)

Here the story of the birth of Jesus is presented from the viewpoint of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. Not knowing for sure what he is carrying that makes him feel so special, he imagines what he is carrying, based on the feelings that he is experiancing. The illustrations are akin to 'illuminations' from the Middle Ages, yet with a more simple, modern touch. The story is excellent for young children (my daughter is two) as the images are rich for discussion and the text is simple and to the point. This book is a good choice for someone wishing to introduce their child to the meaning behind Christmas. It doesn't go into depth, but it does express the touching awe of a donkey that knew he was carrying something very special, the heavens, on his back. I like this book because the illustrations are beautiful to look at, the story is appealing to children, there is a deeper symbolic meaning to the story that can unfold as your child grows, and also because good stories about the meaning of christmas, beyond Santa, reindeer and presents are hard to find.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose..., August 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Donkey's Dream (Hardcover)

"The Donkey's Dream" by Barbara Helen Berger is one of the most beautiful tellings of the nativity story that I have ever read. It is a crystal clear, beautifully simple look at the story of Jesus' birth and the journey that led up to it--all as seen through the eyes of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.

As is usual with Ms. Berger's books, the illustrations are stunning. I am haunted by the forget-me-nots that frame these pages. The story is also told in an original, moving way...one that will not soon be forgotten.

I recommend "The Donkey's Dream" most highly. It would make a wonderful gift (especially at Christmas time) for any Christ-follower.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Donkey's Dream, November 29, 1999

By 

Mary Kay McClure (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Donkey's Dream (Picture Puffins) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a beautifully written and illustrated children's story of the Nativity. Told from the point of view of the donkey that carried Mary ("a woman full of heaven") to Bethlehem - the gentleness and warmth of this book continues to touch me. It is a wonderful gift for expectant parents - especially during the holidays.