The Ox and the Donkey by Gunter Spang illustrated by Loek Koopmans

A few weeks ago someone asked on social media for a list of books with the Nativity story. There are of course hundreds of examples. I especially love Wombat Divine. When I visited a library last week I made this topic a focus of my borrowing. You will see I have already talked about The Little Donkey; Cat in a manger; and Room for a Little One.

When I read The Ox and the Donkey one gentle idea really stood out:

"Perhaps he is cold, thought the donkey, and he leaned over the crib and blew gently on the baby with his warm breath, until the baby calmed down and went to sleep."

I love the idea of the warm breath and this is repeated later in the story:

"That afternoon, Joseph repaired the leaky roof. Now it was warm and snug in the stable. The donkey and the ox too turns keeping the baby warm with their breath."

This book was originally written in German with the title Ochs und Esel. The English translation is by Marianne Martens.

Donkey's are mentioned many times in the Bible but not in any references to the story of Mary and Joseph and their journey to Bethlehem.  I know that seems odd but I am glad that people who retell the Nativity story usually include a donkey.  In some cases the donkey carries Mary to Bethlehem with Joseph walking alongside. In other versions the donkey travels to Bethlehem to meet Jesus and in the case of this book the donkey is already living in the barn or stable. After the baby is born and the assorted visitors have left the donkey carries Mary and her new baby to Egypt. Once the little family arrive at their destination they send the donkey back to his friend the ox.

Here is a set of ideas to adapt The Ox and the Donkey as a play with music for children.

What do donkeys symbolise?  The donkey is a beast of burden. They are seen as hard working, with a strong determination and will power.  They also can seem obstinate and stubborn.

My friend at Kinderbookswitheverything has just written on her blog about the donkey and the nativity story.  Take a look at her extensive list of titles.