Simpson and his Donkey

The creative strengths of Mark Greenwood and Frane Lessac combine here to produce an engaging work of narrative nonfiction in which the bare bones of biography are imbued with just the right touch of the imaginative to engage young readers … this picture book is both timely and relevant and moreover brings life, substance and an unexpected by-line to a familiar story. * Magpies Magazine *
Simpson and his Donkey (Mark Greenwood & Frane Lessac) is perhaps the finest piece of Australian literature published into April 2008. Conveyed in language, tone and colour appropriate for all readers … In legend and legacy, Simpson and his Donkey shines with spirit… * Bendigo Weekly *
In folk-art style, the paintings, with shades that reflect the heat of a sandy landscape, show the heroic soldier and the gentle animal amid the slaughter of the war. * Booklist *
Frane Lessac’s palette…complements this deftly condensed story of extraordinary heroism. * The Sunday Age *
… the story here is told simply and dramatically and is made even more so by the naïve paintings that depict the action. * Reading Time *
This is an important story beautifully represented in a form suitable for educational use and also private reading. * *
Moving true story of compassion, courage and friendship. * Foreword Magazine USA *
This immortal story has been brought to life again through Greenwood’s ability to tell a great tale, and make it sound fresh and new. Lessac’s insightful illustrations fit like a glove around Greenwood’s words. * Buzz Words *

Mark Greenwood is a history hunter. His award-winning books include The Legend of Lasseter’s Reef and The Legend of Moondyne Joe, both winners of the West Australian Premier’s Book Award. Mark often teams with his wife, illustrator Frané Lessac, to produce titles such as Midnight – the story of a light horse, Ned Kelly & The Green Sash and Simpson and His Donkey, a CBCA Honour Book and a USBBY Outstanding International Book. Jandamarra, illustrated by Terry Denton, was shortlisted for the CBCA Eve Pownall Award, the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature and the West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards. The Happiness Box, illustrated by Andrew McLean, was a 2019 CBCA Honour book.

Frané Lessac is an author and illustrator of international renown, having nearly fifty children’s books published throughout the world. She was born in the USA and lived on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, as well as in London, before moving to Australia. Frané loves to travel and create books based on her worldwide journeys. She has contributed her distinctive paintings to many critically acclaimed children’s picture books including, The Legend of Moondyne Joe which won the West Australian Premier’s Children’s Book Award, and Simpson and His Donkey, a CBCA Honour Book that was also selected as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. In 2019, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, written by Traci Sorell, was awarded the Robert F. Sibert Honor Book Honor medal, the Orbis Pictus Honor Book medal and the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor medal.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.