The Donkey's Dream (Hardcover)

~ Barbara Helen Berger (Author) "Once there was a gray donkey..." (more)

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. PW praised the "glorious, reverent" paintings, "in which colors intensify the impact of visions and reality." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

A donkey has fantastic dreams while crossing the desert, and at the end of the day the lady who has been riding on his back gives birth in a cave to a very special baby, the baby Jesus.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; Fifth Impression edition (October 30, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399212337
• ISBN-13: 978-0399212338
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,162 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #41 in	Books > Children's Books > Animals > Farm Animals > Fiction
  #58 in	Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Ages 4-8
  #95 in	Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Christian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	"readertoo" (Golden, CO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Donkey's Dream (Picture Puffins) (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.

10 of 11 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

"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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Donkey's Dream, December 6, 1999

By	heather NAtwick (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews

The Donkey's Dream gives an unique veiw of the christmas story. One sees what the donkey carrying Mary must have been feeling. It promotes imagination and it has great pictures for younger children.