Bookworm: The Donkey Who Carried the Wounded
Posted by Amber Robinson at 3:40 PM on April 22, 2009
The tragedy of Gallipoli and the story of Simpson and his Donkey have become immortilised in Australian folklore.
Conveying these strories to the next generation is not always an easy task.
From prolific Australian author Jackie French comes a new book for young readers which aims to bring the story of the courageous Jack Simpson and his trusty mate to life.
Like French’s other works of historical fiction, (Hitler’s Daughter, A Rose for the Anzac Boys and The Goat who Sailed the World), The Donkey Who Carrried The Wounded is based on exhaustive research. Alternating point of view between stretcher bearer Jack Simpson, a Turkish sniper, stretcher bearer Richard Henderson and The Donkey itself, French gives a graphic, sad but gripping account of the men of Anzac Cove who became known as “the bravest of the brave”.
Small warning — due to the detailed descriptions of war this book is most suitable for children aged 9+.
The Donkey who Carried the Wounded is book number four in The Animal Stars series. It’s published by Harper Collins with an RRP of $14.99.
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