The Donkey's Dream

by Barbara Helen Berger

Book Overview

A beautifully illustrated story of the Nativity. He was just an ordinary donkey, but on his back he carried a miracle. He carried the Virgin Mary to Bethlehem on the night she gave birth. Along the way he dreamed he was carrying a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose. He dreamed he was carrying a lady full of heaven--and he was. Barbara Helen Berger's glowing artwork and lyrical text perfectly convey the beauty and majesty of the story of the Nativity."...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399212337
• ISBN13: 9780399212338
• Release Date: October 1985
• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.6" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

A beautiful Christmas book!

This is one of our very favorite Christmas books. The pictures are beautiful and dream-like. It's just a wonderful book.

a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose...

"The Donkey's Dream" by Barbara Helen Berger is one of the most beautiful tellings of the nativity story that I have ever read. It is a crystal clear, beautifully simple look at the story of Jesus' birth and the journey that led up to it--all as seen through the eyes of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.As is usual with Ms. Berger's books, the illustrations are stunning. I am haunted by the forget-me-nots that frame these pages. The story is also told in an original, moving way...one that will not soon be forgotten.I recommend "The Donkey's Dream" most highly. It would make a wonderful gift (especially at Christmas time) for any Christ-follower.

unique nativity story

Here the story of the birth of Jesus is presented from the viewpoint of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. Not knowing for sure what he is carrying that makes him feel so special, he imagines what he is carrying, based on the feelings that he is experiancing. The illustrations are akin to 'illuminations' from the Middle Ages, yet with a more simple, modern touch. The story is excellent for young children (my daughter is two) as the images are rich for discussion and the text is simple and to the point. This book is a good choice for someone wishing to introduce their child to the meaning behind Christmas. It doesn't go into depth, but it does express the touching awe of a donkey that knew he was carrying something very special, the heavens, on his back. I like this book because the illustrations are beautiful to look at, the story is appealing to children, there is a deeper symbolic meaning to the story that can unfold as your child grows, and also because good stories about the meaning of christmas, beyond Santa, reindeer and presents are hard to find.

The Donkey's Dream

The Donkey's Dream gives an unique veiw of the christmas story. One sees what the donkey carrying Mary must have been feeling. It promotes imagination and it has great pictures for younger children.

The Donkey's Dream

This is a beautifully written and illustrated children's story of the Nativity. Told from the point of view of the donkey that carried Mary ("a woman full of heaven") to Bethlehem - the gentleness and warmth of this book continues to touch me. It is a wonderful gift for expectant parents - especially during the holidays.