Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech - ESSENTIAL

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech, 165 pages. Joanna Cotler Books, 2018. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (a bit of arguing and described animal violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL     

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH   

Louie, 10yo, is having trouble.  He isn't good at keeping things alive like bugs and goldfish.  So when his uncle brings a baby donkey for him to care for, he doesn't have any confidence.  He takes care of the donkey he names Winslow who is more like a pet dog that he walks and feeds.  Winslow responds to Louie though and then goes missing.  How will Louie cope without Winslow?

Winslow's story is just sweet.  I loved it and it was an easy read.  The type is a little larger and the book is small so it is a great confidence builder for young readers, low readers, and animal lovers.  It is a great book bridge from picture and early books to a chapter book.  The story isn't as sad as other animal stories so I liked it better!  One of my favorite reads!       

Michele E., Elementary Librarian and Library Technology Teacher