Listen, Said the Donkey: Tales of the First Christmas

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

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 Holy
Family 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.”

The stories told by Donkey, Lamb, Camel, and Cat, each of whom has his
own strengths and flaws, when put together as a whole, create one of the
most beautiful and powerful retellings of the Christmas story. Be
prepared when reading aloud for the inevitable lump in your throat and
catch in your voice.

Werner Zimmermann’s watercolour illustrations are a perfect
complement to Jean Little’s words. His unique ability to capture and
depict the personalities of the animal characters is most evident here.

Listen, Said the Donkey is destined to become a classic. Highly
recommended.