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Once Upon a Donkey: A Donkey's Tale for Ages 5-9 Years; A Great Introduction to God's Love & Redemption through Jesus Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

This children's book for ages 5-9 is a wonderful way to introduce children to God's love and the way He saved us from a burden we could never carry--the Burden of Sin. [Hand drawn and written by humans]

Old Donkey Clarice settles down as the animals of the barn gather around her, pleading with her to tell them a story. Ducks, geese and chickens, goats and camels, horses and cows, and even tortoises, all lean in closer to listen. She yearns to tell them her favorite story about Jesus. But to get to that part, she must first tell her own story, and the story of Arthur, her colt.

Through her life story, we meet mean old Linus, kind-hearted Joseph and Mary, and the Mysterious One, Jesus, with winged escorts always surrounding Him.

This is a story that reflects on difficulties and trials but also on love, peace, and joy that's never too far from us.

"Once Upon a Donkey" tells the story of Clarice and Arthur before sequeing into the story of Jesus that includes His death and Resurrection.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DMM6533Z
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 5, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 97.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 46 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

About the author

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Sean Elliot Russell
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Sean writes what he calls Spirit-Filled Fiction, novels that display God as alive, personal, & powerful. His novels include "Shiloh's Rising," "The Jesus Boy," "The Day Jesus Moved Next Door," and his newest, a novelette entitled "Shiloh's Rising: The Song of the Cherubim." He's also compiled a short story collection, "Should the Oaks Fall: 11 Short Stories to Enliven the Heart," and an illustrated children's book, "Once Upon a Donkey."

Sean Elliot Russell's publishing began when his short stories appeared in North American magazines and newspapers including MATURE YEARS, SEEK, Focus on the Family's CLUBHOUSE JR, and the CAPPERS serial newspaper.

He has sought to grow as a writer and use his writing to inspire those on a journey with Christ, and those about to enter that journey.

On occasion, Sean also writes devotionals: "The Journey Home" and "30 Selah Moments with the Holy Spirit: God on the Move" (Acts 1-12 devotional).

Sean is now delving into creating journals that will impact peoples' spiritual walks with the Lord.

An army war vet of Desert Storm as an M1A1 main battle tanker, Sean later graduated with a Bachelor of Theology from a Foursquare Bible college in the USA. He resides in the UK. His interests include cooking, traveling, and watching old B&W films.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
22 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the beautiful illustrations and spiritually engaging story. They find the book a moving fictional biblical tale told through the eyes of an elderly donkey. The message of hope resonates throughout, offering a message of redemption, even for Linus.

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4 customers mention "Illustrations"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the illustrations. They find the illustrations beautiful and the message of hope resonates throughout. The story is filled with contrasts, illustrating the birth of Clarice's colt.

"...Filled with contrasts, the story parallels the birth of Clarice's colt with the birth of Jesus...." Read more

"...The illustrations are beautiful, and the message of hope resonates throughout...." Read more

"...The book is very well done and taken care in the details with beautiful illustrations" Read more

"The message of this beautifully illustrated children’s book is told from the perspective of the mother of the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem...." Read more

4 customers mention "Message"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's message. They find it moving and spiritually engaging, with a message of hope and redemption. The story teaches valuable lessons about compassion and faith. It is a great book for Christian households that makes the story of Jesus accessible to young readers.

"...Told through the eyes of an innocent donkey, this spiritually alive book makes the story of Jesus accessible to young readers." Read more

"...horses feels somewhat unexplained, it doesn't detract from this well-crafted tale that teaches children valuable lessons about compassion and faith." Read more

"...They are such smart animals. The book is very well done and taken care in the details with beautiful illustrations" Read more

"...The story has lovely illustrations and is filled with hope." Read more

Perfect for Christian families
5 out of 5 stars
Perfect for Christian families
"Once Upon a Donkey" by Sean Elliot Russell is a charming book for kids aged 5-9. It tells the story of Jesus from a donkey's perspective, offering a fresh and unique view. The hand-drawn illustrations are vivid and full of expression, making the story come alive. A key message is that all of us can experience miracles, even through pain and suffering. The book beautifully shows how love often finds us in tough times. It's a wonderful introduction to God's love and redemption, perfect for Christian families.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    Once Upon a Donkey tells the touching story of Clarice, a donkey who carries heavy burdens for her cruel master, Linus. Her life draws a powerful analogy to Jesus Christ, who carried the burden of humanity's sin. Filled with contrasts, the story parallels the birth of Clarice's colt with the birth of Jesus. It also depicts the harsh reality of Clarice's suffering under Linus's whip, mirroring the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. But just as in the Bible, the story reveals Jesus's resurrection and offers a message of redemption, even for the cruel Linus. Told through the eyes of an innocent donkey, this spiritually alive book makes the story of Jesus accessible to young readers.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2024
    This is a moving fictional biblical story through the eyes of Clarice, an elderly donkey whose gentle spirit shines through every page. The narrative includes themes of burden-bearing and forgiveness, as Clarice prays for her harsh master even in moments of cruelty. The story touches on key moments of Jesus's life—from birth to resurrection. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message of hope resonates throughout. While the hostile behavior of the horses feels somewhat unexplained, it doesn't detract from this well-crafted tale that teaches children valuable lessons about compassion and faith.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025
    Lovely story and illustrations. Some difficult sentence structure and vocabulary. Overall, very well presented. Children will enjoy this little book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    I took this book because my kid loves donkeys. They are such smart animals.
    The book is very well done and taken care in the details with beautiful illustrations
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
    The donkey shares his story of being loved by Joseph, honored to carry Mother Mary to Bethlehem and fathering the doneky that carries Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The story has lovely illustrations and is filled with hope.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024
    The message of this beautifully illustrated children’s book is told from the perspective of the mother of the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem. I loved how the barn animals gathered excitedly to hear the donkey’s story about her unique, loving relationship with the beloved Jesus and His mother and father. We learn how Clarice, a mistreated donkey, becomes a cherished part of Jesus’s family. She is the one who carries Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born in a manger. Eventually, Clarice has a son, who is essential to Jesus’s final entrance into Jerusalem. Clarice’s meaningful message to her animal friends is a unique way for children to hear about the kind, compassionate, and loving character of Jesus and His final days before His crucifixion. If you’re looking for a fun and feel-good read for your kids or grandkids, this one’s a winner!
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2025
    This beautifully illustrated children's book shares a heartfelt story from the perspective of the mother of the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. I loved how the barn animals eagerly gathered to hear her recount her special bond with Jesus and His parents. The story follows Clarice, a once-mistreated donkey who becomes a beloved member of Jesus’s family, carrying Mary to Bethlehem on the night of His birth. Later, Clarice gives birth to a son, who plays a vital role in Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Through Clarice’s touching reflections, young readers experience a unique and gentle introduction to Jesus’s kindness, compassion, and the events leading up to His crucifixion. If you’re searching for a heartwarming and meaningful read for your children or grandchildren, this book is a wonderful choice!
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
    The story is about a donkey and his son who carried Mary and Jesus. Good storyline. Some parts seemed a rough in parts for young kids. I love that this a story about faith.

Top reviews from other countries

  • John
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Blessed Donkey
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2025
    A tale we have all heard many times but this time it's told from the Donkey's perspective. I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations are in that colouring pencil style. The narrative moves along nicely through the eyes of a donkey recounting his days with the Holy Family.

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