Ruby the Christmas Donkey

Because Ruby the donkey is too old to grow a warm winter coat, her animal friends make her a marvelous coat that wins her a place in the Christmas pageant.

K-Gr 3-Ruby, a donkey, is too old to grow a thick coat of fur to keep snug and warm all winter. Witnessing her suffering, the forest creatures take pity on her and cleverly come together to weave a beautiful blanket-type coat from feathers, leaves, and even their own fur. The beauty of the coat inspires the children of the village to select Ruby to be in their Nativity play. The message is touching, but the telling is awkward and a bit sentimental, and the Christmas connection is a bit of a stretch. The watercolor illustrations are attractive and have lots of naturalistic detail. Large type and controlled vocabulary make this a serviceable choice for newly independent readers.-M.W.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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. Ages 4-up. (Oct.)

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.