Written by Carnegie medal winner Sharon Creech, this is an endearing and heart-warming story, reminiscent of Charlotte’s Web. The story is set in America and opens, much like Charlotte’s Web, with the father of the household bringing home to Louie, his son, a small bundle. This bundle is not the runt of the pig litter, as in Charlotte’s Web, but a very poorly new-born baby donkey. Louie names the donkey Winslow and is determined to keep him alive. Woven through the story are stories of friendship and love: of Louie and Winslow; Louie and his brother, Gus who is a soldier away in the army; Louie and his older friend Mack; Mack and Claudine, the girl he is smitten by; Louie and Nora, Claudine’s younger sister, who lives life with a glass half empty view of the world. Nora lost her baby brother when he was a new-born and then her pet dog and these events make it hard for her to let herself attach to anyone or anything including Winslow, despite her overwhelming curiosity about the tiny donkey. As the story progresses, Winslow manages to work his donkey magic and Nora builds a real bond with Winslow. Sharon Creech, who uses the donkey’s different noises and braying to convey his mood, along with the way he nuzzles and uses his long ears to show his care for Louie and Nora, skilfully constructs Winslow’s character. Clearly, a donkey isn’t loved by everyone, particularly when he makes as much noise as Winslow does. In this great story though, even Mrs Tooley, a very grumpy neighbour who really thinks that a donkey should not be living in the neighbourhood, is won around when Winslow’s braying alerts the family to a fire. This story is crafted perfectly, with moments of reflection on the big life questions: of loss; fear; death; friendship; courage and the power of hope. It is a wonderful story that could provide a class with a wealth of deep discussion alongside some laughs and warmth. Reviewer: Jane Carter