Donkeys are not always thought of when you think of farm animals, but there are several good books, perfect for storytime, on donkeys. For a craft, we made music shakers to use while we sang “Tingalayo:” we put dried rice grains, dried beans, or unpopped popcorn in empty orange juice cans and sealed up the open end with duct tape. These make great maracas!
TINGALAYO by Raffi. With cartoon illustrations by Kate Duke, this picture book version of the song will invite everyone to sing along.
WHO’S IN MY BED? by Helen Piers. One by one different animals are displaced from their usual beds, beginning with the donkey who finds someone sleeping in his stable. This circular story has animal noises and repetition that will grab your listeners.
ISADORA by Jody Silver. A city donkey loves to go shopping, and she buys a red feather boa. She doesn’t have anywhere to wear it, but finds someone who enjoys fancy clothes as much as she.
THE MILLER, THE BOY, AND THE DONKEY by Brian Wildsmith. In this classic fable, a miller is easily persuaded by others.
SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE by William Steig. In this Caldecott winning story, Sylvester the donkey learns what it means “to be careful what you wish for.”