Diego the Donkey


Children - Animals
32 Pages
Reviewed on 06/28/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by C.R. Hurst for Readers' Favorite

Children’s author LoLisa Marie Monroe’s dream is “to put little books in many little hands.” I can think of no better way to do so than with her debut picture book titled Diego the Donkey. With its simple repetitions and rhythms and cute illustrations by Carol Liddiment, the book tells the tale of a lonely little donkey who searches for friendship among other barnyard animals but finds that they do not speak his language. Diego tries to talk with goats, cows, ducks, a dog, pigs, ponies, cats, and horses but finds no success. It is not until he meets another donkey named Duncan that he learns to speak a common language and finally finds companionship and acceptance, as well as a true home on the farm.

One of the best ways for parents to build empathy in children is by reading aloud to them. Diego the Donkey is ideally suited to this purpose, and reading time is the best time for snuggling with your littles. LoLisa Marie Monroe is good at using kid-friendly language and the colorful illustrations have a sweet softness to them while still being realistic. This book is also a wonderful primer for basic reading skills. Its repetitions and sing-along sounds should help kids with word recognition and memory development. Yet perhaps the most essential part of the book is its message of inclusiveness. What child, or grown-up for that matter, would not benefit from such a relevant message in today’s increasingly troubled world? I highly recommend this little book for little hands, for both little and not-so-little minds.

Pikasho Deka

Follow a lovable donkey and his endearing adventures with LoLisa Marie Monroe's Diego the Donkey. Diego is a young donkey living a humdrum life on a large farm in the countryside. Although he has everything he needs, Diego doesn't feel at home because he can't talk to anyone on the farm. One day, Diego plucked up his courage and tried talking to the goats with big ears just like him. But soon, he realized that he didn't understand what they said. One by one, he goes through the rest of the farm's animals, including cows, dogs, pigs, ponies, cats, and sheep, but to no avail. He becomes sad when he sees them eating and playing with friends together. Now, there is a new animal on the farm who looks just like Diego. Has he finally found a friend?

Everyone wants a sense of belonging to feel at home. Diego the Donkey is a heartwarming tale that follows a young donkey's quest to find a friend, someone he can talk to. This is a wonderful picture book tinged with humor and lots of heart, narrated through the perspective of an adorable animal. Diego will win children's hearts with his sweet charm and unwavering determination to find a friend. Carol Liddiment's fascinating illustrations brilliantly complement LoLisa Marie Monroe's storytelling, offering readers an enriching and entertaining read. The farm feels like a wonderful place with the various animals featured. As this is a children's book, the author uses an accessible style to tell the story that will definitely appeal to young readers. I highly recommend that parents grab a copy and read it to their kids.

Diana Lopez

Perseverance in a story encourages children to strive to achieve their goals. If, at the same time, they recognize animals, the experience will be more fun. LoLisa Marie Monroe introduces us to Diego the Donkey. Diego is brave enough to approach others and has a friendly personality. He lives on a big farm with many types of animals. However, he doesn't feel at home because he has no one to talk to. One day, he gets up the courage to talk to the goats. But he doesn't understand the sounds they make. Still, he keeps trying. He approaches a cow, a pig, and other animals, but the result is the same. However, he always keeps a positive attitude in every attempt. Thus begins his search to find a friend who understands him.

LoLisa Marie Monroe shares a beautiful story about friendship and resilience. It is also about accepting our differences and those of others. Young readers will be able to relate to the feeling of searching for belonging. This book will help them make new friends and value good companions. Diego's interaction with other animals gives a clear message of empathy. It also demonstrates that everyone has a unique way of communicating and expressing themselves. The narration has a calm pace and is easy to follow. It teaches the sounds of various animals in a natural and friendly way. The illustrations are charming, evoking affection and warmth. Although each type of animal has its own way of communicating, they all live together. The setting has a warm and comforting atmosphere. Diego the Donkey is a story made with love that will stimulate young readers' affection for animals.