Jo-Jo the Melon Donkey [Library Binding]

Michael Morpurgo (Author), Chris Molan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1987 | Age Level: 8 and up

A mistreated donkey in Renaissance Venice gains self-respect after meeting the Doge's kind daughter and becoming a hero during a devastating flood.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr3-5 Jo-Jo, a donkey in 16th-Cen tury Venice, is bullied by a cruel mas ter and belittled by the elegant people who laugh at him as he stands beneath handsome golden horses. It is only when the Doge's daughter takes one of his melons and pats his head that the snobbish people will buy. The story combines aspects of The Ugly Duck ling, Cinderella, and The Little Hero of Haarlem. First the little donkey, who so wishes for more than his hum ble station in life, is championed by the daughter of the Doge, and then he saves the people of Venice by braying loudly enough to warn them that the sea is coming in. The writing style fol lows that of the literary fairy tale, be ing at once simple and elegant. The il lustrations fit the story perfectly. Vivid colors (mostly watercolors) fol low the rich palette of Venetian paint ers of the era, with bright golds, reds, and greens that seem to reflect the strong light of the Mediterranean. The impressionistic style suggests an opera or ballet set. A pleasant addition to picture book collections for older chil dren. Amy Spaulding, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (November 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0135100097
• ISBN-13: 978-0135100097
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,573,962 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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