Book Review: The Wonky Donkey
Oh, the joys and chaos of bedtime! Just the other night, as I wrangled my three-year-old, Alex, into his pajamas, I realized our nightly reading routine had become a bit stale. I was desperately searching for something that could capture his imagination and bring some giggles back into our evenings. That’s when I stumbled upon The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, a book that promises to provide a cumulative and hysterical read-aloud experience.
From the moment I opened the cover, I knew we were in for something special. The story kicks off with a simple yet catchy premise: “I was walking down the road and I saw a donkey… Hee Haw! And he only had three legs! He was a wonky donkey.” Intrigued, Alex’s eyes lit up as I began to read, and within moments, he was chirping in with every “hee haw” like an enthusiastic little sidekick.
The plot’s charm lies in its delightful descriptions that escalate with each turn of the page. As I read about the donkey—his spunky and cranky personality—Alex was utterly captivated. Each adjective layered on top of the last created a rhythm that had us both rolling with laughter. I can’t help but chuckle every time I think about the line, “spunky, hanky-panky, cranky, stinky, dinky, lanky, honky-tonky, winky wonky donkey!” It’s a mouthful, but Alex loved trying to say it all at once, and we both ended up in fits of giggles.
The illustrations by Katz Cowley are equally delightful, with vibrant colors and playful expressions that perfectly match the zany character of the donkey. Each page adds visual delight as the donkey’s antics and surroundings become increasingly whimsical. I caught myself getting lost in the silly pictures while Alex pointed out the little details, making it a delightful bonding experience.
What truly amazed me was how this book sparked a conversation. After we closed the final page, Alex started creating his own versions of silly animals, inspired by the wonky donkey. It was a reminder of how a good book can ignite creativity and imagination, igniting a wild storytelling session right in the comfort of our living room.
One of my favorite moments was when Alex, lost in thought, looked at me and said, “Mom, can we have a wonky donkey as a pet?” I chuckled heartily, knowing that his innocent curiosity was the magic of childhood—an era where anything is possible!
The Wonky Donkey is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, but it’s sure to tickle the funny bones of adults, too. Whether you’re reading it for a cozy bedtime story or sharing laughs with a group of giggling children during storytime, it’s a book that both little ones and parents will adore.
So, if you’re looking for something to brighten your evenings, I can wholeheartedly recommend The Wonky Donkey. It has found a cherished spot on our bookshelf and has quickly become a family favorite—a reminder that laughter truly is the best kind of chaos. Grab this book for your tiny readers, and get ready for some hearty laughs and delightful silliness! Happy reading! 🐴❤️
Enjoy a delightful read with The Wonky Donkey! >>
