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Mikis and the Donkey
Last updated Monday, February 5, 2024
Author: Bibi Dumon Tak
Illustrator: Philip Hopman
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0802854303
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2024
Synopsis:
One day, Mikis' grandfather has a surprise for him: a new donkey waiting! Mikis falls in love with the creature, but his grandparents tell him that the donkey is a working animal, not a pet. However, they still let Mikis choose her name - Tsaki - and allow the two of them to spend their Sundays together. Mikis and Tsaki soon become fast friends, and together the two have some grand adventures. Eventually, both Mikis and his grandfather learn a bit more about what exactly it means to care for another creature.
| Note to readers: |
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“Mikis and the Donkey” is a story about what happens when Mikis’ grandfather surprises him with a donkey…”a working animal – not a playmate.” In the course of the story Mikis, his grandfather, the donkey, and their friends and villagers all learn and grow through their interactions:
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Grandpa learns that the donkey is not just a “tractor on legs,” but that she has feelings and can be injured by too much work.
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Mikis learns that “his” donkey, “Tsaki,” does not care to be just a spoiled playmate, but likes to work and doesn’t like change. He learns that he must act more responsibly when Tsaki runs away after he has let her off her halter.
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Mikis and his friend Emily discover that Tsaki ran away to visit a new friend, a neighbor’s male donkey, and soon they learn that … Tsaki is pregnant!
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Mikis helps his grandpa build a new stable to house Tsaki and her foal…perhaps the first steps in becoming a donkey breeder / farmer.
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The book is filled with wonderful line drawings that bring the boy, the donkey, the village, and the island to life.
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Given how quickly time passes when we are reading, we will probably only get one-third of the way through the book… Tsaki will have just completed her first spring/summer of work and Mikis will discover that she has suffered some injuries from the heavy loads she has been carrying.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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This story takes place in a small village on the Greek island of Corfu. During the story the kids can listen to the story and look at the pictures to see how Mikis’ and Elena’s life might be similar, or different, from their own.
Examples:
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the importance of the village square, shaded by the big sycamore tree at its center, which serves as a social hub of the small town.
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Mikis’ grandfather is very expressive with his hands when he talks (“…he waved his arms in the like he was trying to shoo away a bunch of flies.”)
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the responsibility of caring for animals, whether they are pets or working farm animals
Vocabulary
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Foal: a young horse, donkey, pony, or mule.
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Grove: a small orchard or group of trees.
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Halter: a rope or strap placed around the head of a horse or other animal that is used to lead or tether it.
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Injection: use of a syringe (needle) to place medicine directly into the body.
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Ointment: an oily preparation that is rubbed on the skin for to soothe or help heal wounds.
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Plank(s) (“the donkey licked the planks.”): flat pieces of wood used for the walls of the stable and the animal pens within.
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Shuffle: walk by dragging one's feet along or without lifting them fully from the ground.
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Stable: building where donkeys, horses, and other farm animals are kept.
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Tractor (Grandpa told Mikis that he would have bought a tractor if he were richer, but he could only afford a donkey…a “tractor on legs.”): a powerful motor vehicle with large rear wheels, used chiefly on farms for hauling heavy farm products or equipment.
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Trudge: walk slowly and with heavy steps, especially when tired or heavy-laden.
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Veterinarian: a doctor that treats animals.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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The donkey blinked when Mikis mentioned the name “Tsaki.” Do you think that the donkey intentionally chose the name that she wanted for herself?
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“Mikis knew for sure that the donkey in Grandpa’s stable understood him perfectly well.” Does it sometimes seem that your pet understands you?
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Grandpa expected the donkey to work hard carrying firewood down the hill to use in the winter. Mikis wanted to take it easy on the donkey so that she would not have to work hard. How might you help decide how much work and how much play are the right amounts?
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The last line drawing in the book shows a man and a woman walking in the hills with their children and dog. There are many donkeys on the hill near them. Do you think that might be Mikis and Elena, all grown-up, with children of their own and a large herd of donkeys?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Make a Valentine’s Day card. (READERS: Write the word Valentine on the board or on a piece of paper so they have the correct spelling.)
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Paper Plate Donkey: Kids can turn paper plates, construction paper, and Googly eyes to make a simple donkey face. Just a little extra effort can result in an excellent donkey
(see https://www.thecraftballoon.com/paper-plate-donkey/)
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| Special activities: |
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Do the word search
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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