The Donkey That No One Could Ride

Exceptional story for 6 and older I think.

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week with the recounting of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. He came riding on an ass, or as this story says, a donkey. Most of us know that after standing for the reading of the Passion that no one is really ready to listen to a homily. It's more appropriate to say a few words in the back of the Church after the first Gospel Reading. Looking back over our childhood, I think that we can recall how long we had to stand and how little we either comprehended or paid attention. Last year our Deacons read this book to our children after the Passion. At each Mass, they all came up and sat around the Deacon. It was received well because it was directed specifically to these young people (although all the parents thoroughly cherished it). It brought the message of the day's celebration to them at their level. It changed their focus from the "standing" to something they appreciated. The author also supplied another inspirational message that the children could take home with them. No one is too weak, or can be considered so useless that God cannot use them and work through them. Each of us is a part of God's design. We all have been created for a purpose. That purpose was determined by God. If we trust God; if we allow him to work with us, he will help us with his own power, wisdom and strength to achieve this. We will find our fulfillment in this way. This challenges us to see how we can build on this in the future. Hoping also that Anthony DeStefano will continue adding to this inspirational line of children's books he has to his credit. FYI: We have also done this with our Deacons two years in a row at our Christmas Children's Masses using another of DeStefano's beautiful books, Little Star .

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Anthony DeStephano has written a host of books- each more wonderful than the next. The message is powerful and thoroughly Christian without direct bible fire & brimstone approach. Engaging for children ages 2-12 who will enjoy. Illustrations are captivating, beautiful & stunning. Highly recommend any and ALL the books by Anthony DeStephano. I have the entire collection. Families will enjoy whether teaching a message or just enjoying a delightful story!

To begin, this is a Children's Book. I am an older woman who is a lover of Children's books. I collect them. This book falls directly in most of the things I look for; it has a fine story line, doesn't talk down to the listener, who is more than likely a child, or the adult who is reading it aloud, and has beautiful pictures. The donkey is truly sad because he can't live as a donkey should by being of service to his owner, but he isn't made to look maudlin and pathetic. In other words no child should be in tears because no one can ride the little donkey. I love stories that offer hope to the reader, and this story does. Also,it ends gloriously on Palm Sunday but does not continue on to Easter, except for the shadowy crosses in the background. This makes it a lot easier to discuss with little people who will also be able to love it as they grow older. All in all, I loved it and am very happy to add it to my collection. I can also recommend it as a good bedtime story book. I bought this book at Amazon, the best source I have found for all books.

great service and wonderful product Thank YOU!

I used this book for my great grandchildren’s lesson on Palm Sunday. It is well written. The little donkey tugs at your heart, and it tells the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem in a way kids can understand. We sang the song “Hosanna” and laid our palm branches to make way for our Savior! Would love to see more books by this wonderful author!

What a lovely little book with a BIG message! Not only do I believe that this little book would appeal to young children, but reading it helped ME to view the donkey, who carried Jesus into the beginning of His saving passion , in a new light. That little donkey representative each one of us broken, weak bearers of Christ. Children as well as adults can appreciate the story. The words are are beautifully written, the illustrations are beautifully done. The story is full of Christian symbolism. I plan to read this book to my teenage granddaughters! What a treasure!

This is a wonderful book. I give it as a gift to every baby shower I attend. I have had multiple people tell me that it made them cry (in a good way!) after they read it. It made me cry as well the first time I read it.