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Donkey-donkey    by Roger Duvoisin Amazon.com order for
Donkey-donkey
by Roger Duvoisin
Order:  USA  Can
Knopf, 2007 (2007)
Hardcover
* * *   Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke

It is always a pleasure to read and review one of the late Roger Duvoisin's finest children's book, including his exceptionally-sketched illustrations. Donkey-donkey was first released in black and white in 1933, and reprinted in color in 1940, 1968, and now in 2007.

Donkey-donkey lives amongst dear friends - horses Pit and Pat, the dog Hector, Fuzzy-fuzzy the lamb, Phoebe the goat, Fanny the cow - and they have the kindest master in the village. Donkey-donkey's favorite dinner is thistles that grow near a stream. But alas, with all that he has, Donkey-donkey is not happy with his appearance - in particular, his ears.

He notices that Pat's horse ears are small and beautiful. Donkey-donkey decides to go to his friends for advice on changing his ears. Hector suggests he wear his ears down like his, but that doesn't appeal. So Donkey-donkey takes Fuzzy-fuzzy's advice and wears his ears out to the side, but - ouch! - an accident happens to one of them.

Another friend, mother pig Rose suggests Donkey-donkey wear them like hers - right out in front. But that doesn't work out either as Donkey-donkey has another mishap. This time it's necessary to call for the doctor. It's Daniel, the little sparrow, who gives Donkey-donkey the best advice of all.

Roger Duvoisin has left a legacy of scores of books, and illustrations in his own as well as other authors' books. Duvoisin was awarded the Caldecott Medal and Caldecott Honor. Readers cannot help but take to his illustrations of large eyes, expressive faces, and friendship in action.

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