The Lost Island by Samantha Wheeler illustrated by Anke Noack

"Oh Theo. You can't spend your life worrying about what might happen ... I think researching your fast facts is making you more anxious, not less.' ... He was wrong. So wrong. My facts were helpful. We were sailing the Pacific Ocean! Thousands of things might happen. We'd already seen jellyfish and rays and a huge octopus. Not to mention the high chance of encountering pirates, or whales, or stormy weather."

Theo (Theodore Boston Bellview) is on a yacht cruise with his dad, stepmother Lyn and stepsister Mozzie (I wonder if this is a short form of a different name?). Theo feels left out and the cruise is very disappointing plus it feels as though his dad is giving all of his attention to Mozzie. He misses their previously close relationship. As this newly blended family journey across the ocean a wild storm hits their boat, and Theo is swept into the sea. Theo is the sort of kid who lives with hundreds of facts and hundreds of worries, so he has bought a survival pack along on the cruise. Luckily his pack is on his back when he falls into the ocean and luckily his stepsister has somehow managed to toss him a life ring. Unluckily the boat sails away and Theo is swept onto a small, presumably deserted tropical island. Surely it will not be very long before Theo is rescued but alas this is not the case. Hunger and more importantly thirst takes over and so Theo feels compelled to walk away even though he knows he should stay put. He desperately needs to find water and eventually he does but even more surprisingly he also finds an older woman who has created a small hut from the rubbish that has washed up on the shore. She has named this Trash Beach.

(She) "wore a filthy lavender-coloured dressing-gown and a tattered sheepskin slipper on one foot and a too-big orange Croc on the other. And (she) lent heaving on a gnarled stick ..."

My first reaction to this book was to laugh at the highly improbable scenario but by the final chapters I was actually enjoying the 'ride' and I did read this book in almost one sitting.  You do, however, have to suspend disbelief in this book although I do realise younger readers aged 9+ won't read this tale with my 'cynical eye'. 

How lucky that Theo:

• has small survival kit containing: a five-piece mini survival pack with screw drivers, a penknife, whistle, compass, a torch and a ferro rod for starting a fire; two small cans of baked beans; a used snake-bite bandage; 3 metres of rope; 3 pencils; a pen and a notepad.
• has participated with his local scout's group where he has learned skills such as knot tying.
• has a head full of fast facts about all sorts of dangers. (These are interesting but also, at times, very funny).

The issue of the way we have polluted our oceans is one you might want to discuss with your library group - this is vividly presented when we read Professor Staggered has made a fence around her hut using discarded toothbrushes. There is also the moral dilemma of finding and exposing an extinct animal knowing it is sure to be exploited if taken out into the world. I also suggest using page 119 if you plan to book talk The Lost Island with your class or library group - it is the scene where Theo covers his skin with stinging nettles - painful yes but also very funny.

I really appreciated the map of the island:

Huge thanks to UQP for sending me an advance copy of The Lost Island - this book was published earlier this month (August 2026). You will find teachers notes and a book extract here. The teachers notes are very detailed and so I suggest you only select a few of the questions as a way to guide a discussion with your class. 

Publisher blurb: Theo thinks there’s nothing worse than being stuck on a Pacific cruise with his dad, new stepmum and annoying stepsister. But when he’s thrown overboard during a storm and washes up on a desert island, he suddenly has much bigger problems. As Theo tackles castaway life – finding food, water and shelter – he discovers the island is full of mysteries: spooky noises, possible ghosts and the strangest birds he’s ever seen. With survival getting tougher by the day and no rescue in sight, Theo is desperate to get back to his family. But to escape the island, he must first unlock its secrets – and reckon with the power of nature.

The Lost Island is an interesting book about nature’s power and survival, and how we can use what we have to get through. Or what we can do to help recycle and keep the world cleaner, but without being didactic about it. The Book Muse

Companion books with the theme of islands and survival:

The Explorer

These are the newer covers for this gripping series

Higher Ground

For an older reader aged 12+

A Song for the King by Katrina Nannestad illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Day Twelve 12 Christmas Donkeys

"Oh, how Netta loved to sing. 

From dawn to dusk. 

In villas and vineyards. 

In stables and streets. 

In taverns and tents. 

In markets and meadows. 

And from the top of the hill that overlooked the town."

Publisher blurb: Netta the donkey loves to sing with her friends, Esther the sheep and Uzi the camel. They frolic around town from dawn till dusk, braying, bleating and gurgling. But sadly, not everyone likes to listen. Netta falls silent until something so wondrous happens that her song bursts forth once more.

Reviews:

This is a heart-warming story that will gladden the hearts of those who read it or listen to it. I loved how the narrative vividly described what was happening with the animals and how enthusiastic they are about singing and how despondent they are when they are taken to market. Blackwood’s soft water colour illustrations complement the text. The three baby animals are the focus of the story and I loved their expressions, the enjoyment they had in singing and working together. The illustrations also brought the countryside, the people and the markets to life, while adding depth with tiny details like chickens flying and a gorgeous little cat curled up on the stable. Read Plus

A book filled with love and joy to share at any time of the year. Story Links

I have talked about nearly every book by Katrina Nannestad on this blog - click on the label for this post. Read more about Freya Blackwood (our IBBY Australia honour book recipient for Banjo and Ruby Red and her book features in the IBBY Silent Books collections). Freya generously donated a postcard sized art work for our recent IBBY Australia mini masterpiece art auction - and YES I am now the proud owner.

The Christmas Donkey by Donna Thornton illustrated by Lynne Pryor

Day Eleven 12 Christmas Donkeys

Blurb: Druplet, a young donkey named after a juice bump on a raspberry, lived on a raspberry farm and his wish was to one day be as special as the prize horses in a nearby pasture. As Christmas rolled around Druplet went on an adventure that saw him standing next to a baby in a manger and a young girl in funny cloths. On returning to the farm Druplet inquired what this was all about, this is when the wise barn cat shared the story of Christmas. Druplet now felt special.

The Donkey's Christmas Song by Nancy Tarfur

Day Ten 12 Christmas Donkeys

Blurb from the author web page: Under a bright star, a long, long time ago... a special baby is born in a stable, and the shy little donkey wants to be the first of the animals to sing his song of welcome. But he is afraid his bray will sound too rough. Lyrically told, and illustrated with large, richly hued images a glow with starlight, this joyous picture book is the perfect way to welcome young children into wonder of the first Christmas.

Read the Kirkus Star review.

The Donkey’s Dream by Helen Berger

Day Nine 12 Christmas Donkeys

Bookseller blurb: 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.

Little Donkey's Wish by Udo Weigelt illustrated by Pirkko Vainio translated by Marianne Martens

Day Eight 12 Christmas Donkeys

"Tonight I got my secret wish. I flew with Santa Claus."

Through the Looking Glass review:  Josie is the smallest and youngest donkey in the barn. She is also the one who is ignored a great deal and because she is so small the other donkeys in the stable sometimes tease her saying that she might not even be "a real donkey" after all. It is Christmas Eve and the other donkeys are all telling one another what they would like to get for Christmas. Of course Josie also has Christmas wishes and one of them is very special and very secret. Poor Josie does not expect any of her wishes to come true though, especially the secret one.Then something truly astonishing happens. A visitor arrives at the barn - a visitor wearing a red suit - and he is in need of help because one of his reindeer is too sick to work that night. Which of the donkeys in the barn is he going to choose to help him on this most important night of the year?

Companion book:

Truffle's Christmas

Listen, Said the Donkey by Jean Little illustrated by Werner Zimmermann

Day Seven 12 Christmas Donkeys

Book review: After the visit of the Wise Men, there is, at last, room in the inn for Mary, Joseph, and

Baby. The animals, alone in the stable and missing Baby, begin to talk and share their stories. Gentle Donkey, who was rescued from a cruel master by Mary, tells how he repaid her kindness,

carrying her safely to Bethlehem and protecting Baby from the cold. Lamb’s story is next, told with the simplicity and enthusiasm of the very young. Camel has waited impatiently for his turn, frequently

interrupting the others. He brags about Melchior, his wealthy and wise master, and boasts about his own importance on the long and arduous journey following the star. Then Cat begins her story. She, too, belongs to Melchior, travelling in the folds of his robe. However, her account of the journey differs greatly from Camel’s. Finally, it is Dog’s turn. Dog, having escaped from an abusive mistress, has taken refuge in a dark corner of the stable. Only Baby knows he is there. Warned in a dream of impending danger, Mary, Joseph, and Baby, accompanied by Donkey and Cat, flee to Egypt. Timid little Dog, heedless of his own safety, distracts the pursuing soldiers, allowing the HolyFamily to get away unharmed. Dog himself is caught and returned to his cruel owner. Lamb goes back to his shepherd boy. Only a greatly changed and humbled Camel is left in the stable along with a tiny, very relieved (now that Cat is gone) mouse. “What was it you were all talking about?” asks the mouse. “Listen,” said the camel. “I have stories to tell you.”

This is a Canadian book. 

One Small Donkey by Dandi Daley Mackall illustrated by Marta Ivarez Miguens

Day 6 12 Christmas Donkeys

Bookseller blurb: This is the story of Jesus' birth from an unlikely perspective: a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem. The donkey is not the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals, but he had a very important job all the same. With an exciting message to teach your little ones about God's plans for their lives and beautiful, inspiring artwork by Marta lvarez Miguéns, One Small Donkey is a Christmas story children will love.

The Donkey who Carried a King by RC Sproul

Day Five 12 Christmas Donkeys

Blurb: Davey was a young donkey who was bored and unhappy because he was never given anything to do. Then one day, some strangers came to the gate - and Davey's master picked him for a very special task. Davey carried the King, Jesus, into Jerusalem. A few days later, Davey saw some angry people making the King carry a heavy beam of wood. Davey could not understand it - until another donkey helped him see that the King was being a Servant on behalf of His people.

Read more here.

Father Christmas and the Donkey by Elizabeth Clark illustrated by Jan Omerod

Day Four 12 Christmas Donkeys

Blurb: It's Christmas Eve and it's cold outside. A lonely old donkey limps through the frozen grass, searching for food. There are no Christmas treats for him. Then suddenly in the distance, he hears the sound of sleighbells and galloping hoofs. Who could it be but Father Christmas. And who else could he be looking for on this cold Christmas Eve but an old donkey in need of a special friend and a special Christmas present.

This book is from 1992 but if you can find a copy you will marvel over the way each page is designed. I hope one day I can find a copy of this book to add to my own collection (I borrowed this one from a school library).

I found this alternate edition with a different illustrator, but it doesn't look quite as special:

Ruby the Christmas Donkey by Mirabel Cecil illustrated by Christina Gascoigne

"The little animals were usually fast asleep now, but they could not rest while their old friend Ruby was so unhappy. They decided that since she could not make a warm winter coat for herself, they would make one for her."

This is a deeply poignant story about an old donkey who spends her summers giving rides to children at the beach but now it is winter. It is bitterly cold and usually Ruby and the other donkey named Scarlett are able to grow a warmer coat as they spend winter in a farm paddock but this year Ruby just feels too old to grow her coat. The wild animals are deeply concerned and so they weave Ruby a beautiful coat from various forest materials.

When the neighborhood children come to select donkey for their Nativity play they see Ruby in her magical coat. She looks perfect for the play and so she is led away to be the star of the show with the promise of a happy but not specified happy ending. 

Ruby's friends think her as precious as the gem she's named after in this deft tale of generosity, compassion and love. An aging donkey no longer able to grow a warm winter coat, Ruby faces her last days in icy misery. But the donkey's woodland pals literally give of themselves to weave Ruby a warm, colorful coat. To boot, her newly stylish appearance earns her a starring role in the Christmas pageant. Chipper animals rendered in soft, earth-toned watercolors, brighten the stark snowy landscape. Publisher's Weekly

Here is the hardcover edition:

This book is from 1980 and so it is long out of print. I picked up a copy at a charity book sale in 2019 for just AUS$1. I have seen a new first edition copy of Ruby the Christmas Donkey is for sale for US$65. I haven't been able to find out very much about the illustrator Christina Gascoigne except that she and Mirabel Cecil were neighbors in Norfolk UK. Mirabel Cecil died aged 80 in 2024.  Here is another of their books: 

Here in Australia it is the end of the school year and many school libraries take the opportunity to 'weed' or cull their book collections. Of course, this is necessary, but I would hope that the staff especially the teacher-librarians involved in this process might take the time to read the picture books they think need culling. A tiny insignificant book like this could easily be culled but that should not happen. This is a sweetly emotional story about kindness, empathy and Christmas with soft colour pencil illustrations. I do hope you can find a copy in your local or school library and while it might be too late this year perhaps you can share it next Christmas.

Bruno by Catharina Valckx illustrated by Nicolas Hubesch translated by Antony Shugaar

It would be fun to read this book to class when the children return to school perhaps. Teachers sometimes set the dreaded "what did you do in the holidays" writing task for their class. It might be fun to reverse this and ask the class to describe an ordinary day with friends or family. 

This book was published in 2017 by the wonderful Gecko Press. They sure do find some quirky and fun books to translate! Bruno has good days, bad days, so-so days, and even one perfect day. He is joined by his friends Ringo, the old pony; Bup, the fish; Georgette, the turtledove; and Tweety the mixed-up canary.

There are six 'chapters' in this book or rather six days with various, slightly inconsequential yet quirky, fun, odd and for Bruno even slightly annoying events.

Walker Books (agent for Gecko Press in Australia) blurb: Bruno, the cat in the checkered cap, takes life as it comes. When it’s too rainy to go outside, his friends come around for breakfast. When a fish invites him into the river, he follows it. Why not! When the canary forgets how to talk, Bruno helps out. Days come and go, and for Bruno they always bring something interesting. And once in a while, a day comes along that is just about perfect!

Readers and listeners with a taste for the quietly surreal may find this an (almost) perfect option; the rest will find other ways to fill their days, and that’s OK. Kirkus

Betsy Bird included this book in her Early Chapter book list of 2017. 

Bruno does contain the word 'stupid'. I know from past experience this word sometimes shocks young children. As always you do need to read this book for yourself before sharing it with a group of children.

Here are two other books that I loved by Catharina Vlackx:

Lisette's Green Sock

Zanzibar

I Yam a Donkey by Cece Bell

Language can be so confusing. "I am" - two words which might sound like "I yam".  Add in the complication of an actual Yam and a silly donkey and you have a perfect recipe for fun. The conversation goes back and forth and the frustration levels of poor Yam are so funny. This is a book to read aloud. It is sure to tickle your funny bone.

"Okay. So what you is saying is that you is a donkey, right?"
"NO! I am not a donkey! And it's not 'you is'! It's 'you are'! You are, you are, you are!"

I read one reviewer who mentioned children might not know about yams? 

The wordplay is kid-pleasingly silly with a tiny whiff of sophistication: you have to know what a yam is in order to get the joke, for example, and also have a rudimentary grasp of grammar. Horn Book

Image Source North Carolina Sweet Potatoes

You can see the art from this book here on Seven Impossible Things.

Here is another book by Cece Bell which I talked about on this blog - Rabbit and Robot - the Sleepover.

There is a sequel to I Yam A Donkey - You loves Ewe (2019).

I was interested to read Cece Bell is married to Tom Angleberger author of the terrific Origami Yodi series which are perfect for Middle Grade readers.

It is not on the same topic but I would pair I Yam a Donkey with Wonkey Donkey - just because it is another very funny book about donkeys.

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.

The Little Donkey by Gerda Marie Scheidl illustrated by Bernadette Watts

Tuesday Treasure

In this version of the Nativity story a donkey hears that a baby has been born in Bethlehem - a King.  The donkey believes the story and "longing filled his heart. He knew that he must leave his master and go to his King. So at nightfall he quietly left."

The journey is long and hazardous and it is made worse by the comments and scoffing of the other animals the donkey meets along the way - a camel, a lion, a hyena, a wolf, a fox and a ram.  The words they use are so hurtful:

"You would not be allowed to visit a king. ... Because you are a donkey; and a donkey is a lowly, stupid beast."

"You silly donkey! Do you believe any king would even notice you? You were born to bear loads, not to stand in the presence of a king."

You will cheer as the little donkey keeps plodding on. He does not give up and eventually he sees a group of angels in golden robes. They guide him onto the road to Bethlehem. Then he sees a star - the star - shining over a stable.

"There in the hay, just as the story had said, lay the little child, and Mary and Joseph stood by him. The baby laughed merrily to see the donkey. He stretched out his hands and smiled. The little donkey bowed before his King. His journey had ended."

After reading The Little Donkey why not listen to the song which tells of the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. I also recommend you listen to The Small One narrated by Bing Crosby.

The German title for The Little Donkey is Ein Esel geht nach Bethlehem. It was first published in 1988 and the paperback edition was issued in 1998. Sadly this book is now out of print - hence it is a Tuesday Treasure. Gerda Marie Scheidl was the author of nineteen books for children. She died in 2005.

I really adore the art of Bernadette Watts.  It is easy to see the way one of her art school teachers - Brian Wildsmith, influenced her work.  Here are some of her books which are still in print:

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

"Okay," Louie said. I accept the mission."

"What mission?"

"To save this pitiful motherless donkey."

Louie is exactly the right person to care for a new-born baby donkey. Yes, he has not had a good track record with other pets and wild animals, but there is a deep emotional tenderness about Louie and even though everyone doubts the young donkey will live through the first night, Louie never gives up. 

"I don't want to watch it die,' his mother said
'No!' Louie said. 'No dying. I told you, I accept the mission.'
The pitiful creature tentatively touched its nose to Louie's. 'Awww,'
'Don't get attached,' his mother warned. 'You're going to be heartbroken when it - '
'Shh,' Louie said. 'Don't let it hear you.' He asked his father if it was a boy or a girl.
'Boy,' he said. 'Poor thing."

Louie is determined to save the little donkey. He names him Winslow. Later we learn how this name connects with Louie's own difficult start in life.

Louie is a real kid. Sure he lives with a terrific mum and dad and has some loyal friends but his brother is away serving as a soldier and everyone deeply misses him.  Gus misses his family too. He write brief letters but always with the sign off "Remember me." There are reminders of his brother all over the house - they think about him every day.

Living near Louie is Nora. Nora has had some deep sadness in her short life too. Her premature baby brother has died and so did the family dog. Sharon Creech does not need to spell this out but it is very clear Nora is scared of being hurt. She likes Winslow, the baby donkey, but she is wary of making a connection because, in her view, it looks as though he might die too. Yet she is drawn to the little fellow. His fur is soft and he keeps butting into her boots and making friendly noises. How can she resist him?

Colby Sharp talked about this book and the wonderful thing that happened for all the students in his school.  One of his students loved Saving Winslow and he book talked it with all his class and it became such a popular book. An adult listening to Colby talk with passion about the urgency of getting books into kids hands decided to buy 60 copies - one for each child in Grade 5. Such a generous and special thing to do.

You might know that I am a HUGE (say this loudly) fan of Sharon Creech. I knew I just had to buy this book and buy it NOW! The power of the writing here comes both from what is said and what is left unsaid. I love that the reader is allowed to 'join the dots.' When you pick up this book take a look at chapter 10. It is titled Freeze that Scene. Louie records two contrasting scenes into his memory. One is of sunflowers growing against a white fence under a blue sky. This scene is made even more perfect when a small blue bird lands on a stalk.

"And now the scene appeared even more perfect to him: an indigo bunting atop a golden sunflower beside a white fence beneath a blue sky with drifting white clouds."

Does this sound poetic?  It should. If you know the writing of Sharon Creech you are sure to be hearing echoes of words from Love that Dog.

That same day Louie sees a thin, disheveled man in a tattered army jacket sleeping on a park bench. "On his way home, Louie slid a small brown bag next to the bench. In the bag were two rolls and a candy bar." If we didn't know it already it is very clear Louie has a kind heart.

You can read the first 6 chapters on the author web site. I highly recommend you do this (now!) You can read about the inspiration for this story in an interview in the School Library Journal.

Another outstanding and unforgettable story that will work well both as a read-aloud for younger listeners and as a rich offering for those recently transitioned to chapter books.  Kirkus Star review

Set in an unspecified small-town past, largely free of adults and rich with unscheduled play time, the story is told simply but subtly, celebrating the unexpected strength of the vulnerable. Horn Book Star review

SAVING WINSLOW explores the balance between holding tight to those we love most and recognizing that holding on may not be best for them. SAVING WINSLOW is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a future classic in the genre of children and the animals they love. KidsReads

Take a look at my review of other books by Sharon.  Moo, Love that Dog, Heartbeat, Granny Torrelli makes Soup and The Boy on the Porch.

Compare the cover of Saving Winslow with Moo, Love that Dog and Hate that Cat. These four books would make a great set for any library or home collection.

Here is an indigo bunting - I just had to show you one because they look so amazing!

Image source: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/indigo-bunting