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Paul Gallico's The Small Miracle: A Story of Faith and Love
The first-ever picture- book version of Paul Gallico's classic story of friendship and faith
"Once there was a boy named Pepino who lived in the mountain town of Assisi. He had no mother. He had no father. He lived in a stable with his donkey, Violetta.
Violetta was everything to Pepino."
Then one day Violetta gets sick, and nothing seems to help. Pepino is sure that if he can just bring her into the crypt of Saint Francis, who loves all animals, she will get well. But can he convince the priests to let him try?
Paul Gallico's tale of one little boy's pilgrimage of faith has touched hearts the world over. Master storyteller Bob Barton's lyrical adaptation, beautifully illustrated by Carolyn Croll, will introduce a whole new generation of readers to this moving classic.
"Once there was a boy named Pepino who lived in the mountain town of Assisi. He had no mother. He had no father. He lived in a stable with his donkey, Violetta.
Violetta was everything to Pepino."
Then one day Violetta gets sick, and nothing seems to help. Pepino is sure that if he can just bring her into the crypt of Saint Francis, who loves all animals, she will get well. But can he convince the priests to let him try?
Paul Gallico's tale of one little boy's pilgrimage of faith has touched hearts the world over. Master storyteller Bob Barton's lyrical adaptation, beautifully illustrated by Carolyn Croll, will introduce a whole new generation of readers to this moving classic.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1951
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About the author
Paul Gallico
185 books317 followersPaul William Gallico was born in New York City, on 26th July, 1897. His father was an Italian, and his mother came from Austria; they emigrated to New York in 1895.
He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Board of Motion Picture Review, and after six months took a job as the motion picture critic for the New York Daily News. He was removed from this job as his "reviews were too Smart Alecky" (according to Confessions of a Story Teller), and took refuge in the sports department.
During his stint there, he was sent to cover the training camp of Jack Dempsey, and decided to ask Dempsey if he could spar with him, to get an idea of what it was like to be hit by the world heavyweight champion. The results were spectacular; Gallico was knocked out within two minutes. But he had his story, and from there his sports-writing career never looked back.
He became Sports Editor of the Daily News in 1923, and was given a daily sports column. He also invented and organised the Golden Gloves amateur boxing competition. During this part of his life, he was one of the most well-known sporting writers in America, and a minor celebrity. But he had always wanted to be a fiction writer, and was writing short stories and sports articles for magazines like Vanity Fair and the Saturday Evening Post. In 1936, he sold a short story to the movies for $5000, which gave him a stake. So he retired from sports writing, and went to live in Europe, to devote himself to writing. His first major book was Farewell to Sport, which as the title indicates, was his farewell to sports writing.
Though his name was well-known in the United States, he was an unknown in the rest of the world. In 1941, the Snow Goose changed all that, and he became, if not a best-selling author by today's standards, a writer who was always in demand. Apart from a short spell as a war correspondent between 1943 and 1946, he was a full-time freelance writer for the rest of his life. He has lived all over the place, including England, Mexico, Lichtenstein and Monaco, and he lived in Antibes for the last years of his life.
He was a first-class fencer, and a keen deep-sea fisherman. He was married four times, and had several children.
He died in Antibes on 15th July, 1976, just short of his 79th birthday.
He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Board of Motion Picture Review, and after six months took a job as the motion picture critic for the New York Daily News. He was removed from this job as his "reviews were too Smart Alecky" (according to Confessions of a Story Teller), and took refuge in the sports department.
During his stint there, he was sent to cover the training camp of Jack Dempsey, and decided to ask Dempsey if he could spar with him, to get an idea of what it was like to be hit by the world heavyweight champion. The results were spectacular; Gallico was knocked out within two minutes. But he had his story, and from there his sports-writing career never looked back.
He became Sports Editor of the Daily News in 1923, and was given a daily sports column. He also invented and organised the Golden Gloves amateur boxing competition. During this part of his life, he was one of the most well-known sporting writers in America, and a minor celebrity. But he had always wanted to be a fiction writer, and was writing short stories and sports articles for magazines like Vanity Fair and the Saturday Evening Post. In 1936, he sold a short story to the movies for $5000, which gave him a stake. So he retired from sports writing, and went to live in Europe, to devote himself to writing. His first major book was Farewell to Sport, which as the title indicates, was his farewell to sports writing.
Though his name was well-known in the United States, he was an unknown in the rest of the world. In 1941, the Snow Goose changed all that, and he became, if not a best-selling author by today's standards, a writer who was always in demand. Apart from a short spell as a war correspondent between 1943 and 1946, he was a full-time freelance writer for the rest of his life. He has lived all over the place, including England, Mexico, Lichtenstein and Monaco, and he lived in Antibes for the last years of his life.
He was a first-class fencer, and a keen deep-sea fisherman. He was married four times, and had several children.
He died in Antibes on 15th July, 1976, just short of his 79th birthday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 25, 2023
Another beautiful story from Gallico. I love his work. This was a pleasure to read. The story of one boy and his donkey. So sweet. A short read that packs in lots of heart
January 7, 2009
Oh What a beautiful little book! So simple and so dear!
When I first read the dedication to St Francis of Assisi, my heart did a flutter- I say daily the prayer of of St Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Thank you so much for sharing this book. It was a wonderful blessing to receive this Lenten season- a reminder to keep our hearts and minds focused on the gifts given us- and the faith that our prayers are answered, though it may not always be the result we had anticipated.
My other favorite St Francis bit of wisdom is :
Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.
Thank you again. I want to share this book, but am loath to let it wander too far away. It is very special.
When I first read the dedication to St Francis of Assisi, my heart did a flutter- I say daily the prayer of of St Francis:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Thank you so much for sharing this book. It was a wonderful blessing to receive this Lenten season- a reminder to keep our hearts and minds focused on the gifts given us- and the faith that our prayers are answered, though it may not always be the result we had anticipated.
My other favorite St Francis bit of wisdom is :
Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.
Thank you again. I want to share this book, but am loath to let it wander too far away. It is very special.
November 27, 2016
Tender and sweet! I'm going with Violetta made a full and swift recovery!
November 11, 2019
(3.5) Set in postwar Assisi, Italy, this stars Pepino, a 10-year-old orphan boy who runs errands with his donkey Violetta to earn his food and board. When Violetta falls ill, he dreads losing not just his livelihood but also his only friend in the world. But the powers that be won’t let him bring her into the local church so that he can pray to St. Francis for her healing. Pepino takes to heart the maxim an American corporal gave him – “don’t take no for an answer” – and takes his suit all the way to the pope. This story of what faith can achieve just manages to avoid being twee.
January 18, 2022
http://bioquimicadaleitura.blogspot.c...
Este conto deixa-nos a história do Pepino, um menino que ficou órfão e sem qualquer família, restando-lhe apenas uma burra, Violetta.
Os dois são a companhia, suporte e sustento um do outro, mas quando a Violetta adoece e deixa de comer, o Pepito preocupa-se com o parecer do veterinário. É então que inicia a sua jornada.
Esta é uma história de fé e peregrinação, de resiliência e de crenças. Fiquei sensibilizada pela fé inabalável do menino.
Este conto deixa-nos a história do Pepino, um menino que ficou órfão e sem qualquer família, restando-lhe apenas uma burra, Violetta.
Os dois são a companhia, suporte e sustento um do outro, mas quando a Violetta adoece e deixa de comer, o Pepito preocupa-se com o parecer do veterinário. É então que inicia a sua jornada.
Esta é uma história de fé e peregrinação, de resiliência e de crenças. Fiquei sensibilizada pela fé inabalável do menino.
July 19, 2021
Pepino loved Violetta the donkey, you could tell this by the way he beat her with a stick no more than was necessary. When she falls ill only papal decree can ordain her with supernatural consideration from St Francis.
July 25, 2013
A PILGRIMAGE OF FAITH
Some years after WW11 in the little village of Assisi, Italy a ten-year-old orphan boy named Pepino made meager street living with his faithful donkey, Violetta. Because she served as his companion, friend and beast of burden he was greatly concerned by her declining health, but the veterinarian's diagnosis was disheartening. Trusting in the compassionate advice of the local priest, Father Damico, the desperate boy determined to seek the aid of the great Saint Francis himself, whose crypt lay beneath the village church. There had been precedents for healing in his name before, so the devout boy was sure the saint would bless Violetta.
Alas, Church hierarchy proved insurmountable as objections--both sacred and profane--were laid before him. In despair the boy undertook the long trek to Rome to seek permission from the Holy Father himself: to bring his ailing friend into the very crypt and have workmen excavate a pathway large enough for the donkey to traverse.
Actually there are several small miracles in this gentle novella--starting with the gift of a bouquet which included violets (the donkey's name) and a penciled plea for special Vatican concession. In simple phrases with plenty of dialogue Gallico invites readers to accompany Pepino on his determined pilgrimage of faith, for the boy steadfastly refuses to accept NO for an answer. The ambiguous ending poses these questions: was Violetta immediately or gradually healed or allowed to die of natural causes? Were clerics in the hierarchy impressed by Pepino's implicit faith? Did the long-dead saint work another miracle? Was the sick donkey the means to discover important old relics which might serve to draw more pilgrims to Assisi? The Lord works in truly mysterious ways his divine purposes to fulfill, as a child's pure faith opens doors and the eyes--if not the hearts--of pious men. After all: violets were beloved of St. Francis.
Often included as a trilogy with THE SNOW GOOSE and LUDMILLA
(I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Some years after WW11 in the little village of Assisi, Italy a ten-year-old orphan boy named Pepino made meager street living with his faithful donkey, Violetta. Because she served as his companion, friend and beast of burden he was greatly concerned by her declining health, but the veterinarian's diagnosis was disheartening. Trusting in the compassionate advice of the local priest, Father Damico, the desperate boy determined to seek the aid of the great Saint Francis himself, whose crypt lay beneath the village church. There had been precedents for healing in his name before, so the devout boy was sure the saint would bless Violetta.
Alas, Church hierarchy proved insurmountable as objections--both sacred and profane--were laid before him. In despair the boy undertook the long trek to Rome to seek permission from the Holy Father himself: to bring his ailing friend into the very crypt and have workmen excavate a pathway large enough for the donkey to traverse.
Actually there are several small miracles in this gentle novella--starting with the gift of a bouquet which included violets (the donkey's name) and a penciled plea for special Vatican concession. In simple phrases with plenty of dialogue Gallico invites readers to accompany Pepino on his determined pilgrimage of faith, for the boy steadfastly refuses to accept NO for an answer. The ambiguous ending poses these questions: was Violetta immediately or gradually healed or allowed to die of natural causes? Were clerics in the hierarchy impressed by Pepino's implicit faith? Did the long-dead saint work another miracle? Was the sick donkey the means to discover important old relics which might serve to draw more pilgrims to Assisi? The Lord works in truly mysterious ways his divine purposes to fulfill, as a child's pure faith opens doors and the eyes--if not the hearts--of pious men. After all: violets were beloved of St. Francis.
Often included as a trilogy with THE SNOW GOOSE and LUDMILLA
(I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
February 16, 2018
A young boy lives n the town of Assisi with his donkey, Violetta. When she falls ill, he grows worried, and asks the bishop for permission to take her to St. Francis' tomb to pray. However, the only route to Francis' tomb is bricked up, and to gain entrance, he and Violetta will need permission from the Pope himself...
Really cute - the ending is a little ambivalent, but endearing nonetheless. It's sweet to see how far the boy will go to help his friend/family member. And it also makes a gentle not to children, about not always receiving what you want - that no matter how badly you wish for something, sometimes the choice is taken out of your hands.
I love the illustrations - they remind me a lot of Tomie de Paola's art.
Really cute - the ending is a little ambivalent, but endearing nonetheless. It's sweet to see how far the boy will go to help his friend/family member. And it also makes a gentle not to children, about not always receiving what you want - that no matter how badly you wish for something, sometimes the choice is taken out of your hands.
I love the illustrations - they remind me a lot of Tomie de Paola's art.
July 15, 2020
This is the story of Pepino and his donkey Violetta (and was there ever a better name for a donkey?), and the small miracle in the crypt of St. Francis of Assisi. Pepino is an orphan boy who loves and depends on Violetta and when she becomes sick and dying, he petitions the Pope to let him take the donkey into the Saint's crypt where he hopes a miracle will cure her. The miracle is getting to see the Pope in the first place, convincing him and then discovering some of St Francis's remains. I like to think that Violetta is saved and that God was prepared to wait a while longer before taking her. It is a marvelous, poignant and spiritually important work. In its few pages are compressed a wealth of ideas and symbols which it would reward the reader to contemplate. Are there ever any merely 'small' miracles? Small pebble; many ripples.
March 19, 2010
A charming story about the persistence of a young boy and his desire/need to get his donkey cured by St Francis in the crypt under the church in Assisi -- persistence, don't accept "no" for an answer, and his sweetly innocent faith, conquer the obstacles.
May 7, 2021
The three “books” I read are in a slim volume titled, Three Legends, by Paul Gallico and includes: “The Snow Goose,” “The Small Miracle,” and “Ludmila.” All three have been published as separate books, but each of them qualify as either a short story or a novella. With the volume I read, published by Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, NY, in 1966, with delightful illustrations by Reisie Lonette, comes a twelve-page introduction by Mr. Gallico. “The Snow Goose” original copyright was in 1940, “The Small Miracle” in 1950, and “Ludmila” in 1959.
The inside jacket quotes Mr. Gallico in saying,
Each has an animal as a central figure: a cow, a donkey, and a bird...They came into being because of an affection for all animals but in particular for a people, a Saint, and a country.
In the introduction he goes into how each story came to be and shows the parallels between each story as well as detailing how each had its own unique genesis.
The Small Miracle
“The Small Miracle” takes place in Assisi, Italy, where Pepino, a small orphaned boy, considers himself blessed because when his family dies he inherits the small, smiling donkey, Violetta. Pepino loves and cherishes Violetta and appreciates the reality that they make a good team in their small village in earning enough money to have a place to stay and food to eat. Trouble shows up when Violetta becomes ill. Pepino has the biggest challenge of his life since his parents' passing when he needs to find a way to save his beloved Violetta.
With each of these stories, I ended up blubbering like a little baby. There is a piercing spirituality in each of them. Gallico took bits and pieces of fairy tales, religious icons, and actual history and wove magic around them. The charming illustrations make them that much better. You could probably read all three on one afternoon or evening if you set aside some time. I highly urge you do to so. Your heart will thank you for it.
The inside jacket quotes Mr. Gallico in saying,
Each has an animal as a central figure: a cow, a donkey, and a bird...They came into being because of an affection for all animals but in particular for a people, a Saint, and a country.
In the introduction he goes into how each story came to be and shows the parallels between each story as well as detailing how each had its own unique genesis.
The Small Miracle
“The Small Miracle” takes place in Assisi, Italy, where Pepino, a small orphaned boy, considers himself blessed because when his family dies he inherits the small, smiling donkey, Violetta. Pepino loves and cherishes Violetta and appreciates the reality that they make a good team in their small village in earning enough money to have a place to stay and food to eat. Trouble shows up when Violetta becomes ill. Pepino has the biggest challenge of his life since his parents' passing when he needs to find a way to save his beloved Violetta.
With each of these stories, I ended up blubbering like a little baby. There is a piercing spirituality in each of them. Gallico took bits and pieces of fairy tales, religious icons, and actual history and wove magic around them. The charming illustrations make them that much better. You could probably read all three on one afternoon or evening if you set aside some time. I highly urge you do to so. Your heart will thank you for it.
April 28, 2022
1951. author [1897-1976]. His father was an Italian, and his mother came from Austria; they emigrated to New York in 1895. His first major book was Farewell to Sport, which was his farewell to sports writing. He wanted to write fiction. Though his name was well-known in the United States, he was an unknown in the rest of the world. In 1941, the Snow Goose changed all that, and he became, if not a best-selling author by today's standards, a writer who was always in demand.
short story for children
Gallico's stories are highly moralistic.
What I liked is his portrayal of the various church officials that the 10 year old orphan speaks to. A bit of the flavor of Catholic hierarchy and Vatican manners.
This little story seems well written. I went on to read the other of his books I had, The adventures of Jean-Pierre, 1963, which was SO boring, repetitive, full of cliches.
short story for children
Gallico's stories are highly moralistic.
What I liked is his portrayal of the various church officials that the 10 year old orphan speaks to. A bit of the flavor of Catholic hierarchy and Vatican manners.
This little story seems well written. I went on to read the other of his books I had, The adventures of Jean-Pierre, 1963, which was SO boring, repetitive, full of cliches.
June 14, 2024
Paul Gallico begins his beautiful story ‘A Small Miracle’ with
To
St. Francis
A Man among Saints
It is to him that Pepino a ten year old wishes with all his heart to take his little donkey Violetta. Pepino and Violetta live with Pepino’s Grandfather in Assisi.
To make ends meet, Pepino and Violetta help the Grandfather; they haul luggage for tourists, take photographs with the tourists, sometimes Violetta poses with a crown of flowers on her head.
Then one fine day Violetta falls ill and the vet cannot do much. Violetta lies in the stable with hardly any life in her. It is to St. Francis that Pepino wants to take Violetta…But the Father Superior refuses to allow Violetta in the crypt…he is sure that she will not be able to climb the steps down to the crypt…
Pepino desperate to nurse Violetta to health decides to meet the Pope…Oh yes the Pope himself.
The Monk who accompanies Pepino to Rome and Pepino, have wonderful adventures and Pepino does meet the Pope and is allowed to take Violetta to the crypt.
Would St. Francis refuse to cure a beautiful little donkey? You know the answer…Never.
To
St. Francis
A Man among Saints
It is to him that Pepino a ten year old wishes with all his heart to take his little donkey Violetta. Pepino and Violetta live with Pepino’s Grandfather in Assisi.
To make ends meet, Pepino and Violetta help the Grandfather; they haul luggage for tourists, take photographs with the tourists, sometimes Violetta poses with a crown of flowers on her head.
Then one fine day Violetta falls ill and the vet cannot do much. Violetta lies in the stable with hardly any life in her. It is to St. Francis that Pepino wants to take Violetta…But the Father Superior refuses to allow Violetta in the crypt…he is sure that she will not be able to climb the steps down to the crypt…
Pepino desperate to nurse Violetta to health decides to meet the Pope…Oh yes the Pope himself.
The Monk who accompanies Pepino to Rome and Pepino, have wonderful adventures and Pepino does meet the Pope and is allowed to take Violetta to the crypt.
Would St. Francis refuse to cure a beautiful little donkey? You know the answer…Never.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
I picked this one up for a dollar in a second hand book store. Hard cover, complete with quaint little illustrations. This is a beautiful little tale. I’m not at all aligned with Christian faith, but I don't reject it and the faith embedded in these pages and in the heart of Pepino, the main protagonist (a stunning little man, with a massive, caring and pure heart) is gorgeous. A wonderful novella, that I would so happily share with children of any faith. This warmed me and I suspect this one will live with me. I thought it would make a fantastic piece of children’s theatre. An easy read for one sitting. Left me feeling buoyant and hopeful. Its main concern is faith, of course, and it's an exploration of love and the strength, and the power of belief. It's about truth, dedication and purity. The book has a noble heart.
December 20, 2023
another wonderful lyrical story from the author of The Snow Goose. The black and white illustrations fit the story perfectly. The descriptions place the reader on the streets of Assisi, and then Rome. The original title "Never Take No for an Answer" says much about this story of a very determined orphan boy who carefully weighs his options and his resources when his beloved donkey, all the family he has really, falls ill. His appeals go higher and higher for help in carrying out his ultimate plan: bringing his beloved ailing donkey before the crypt of St. Francis.
August 24, 2017
This is a simple short story of faith. I enjoyed the simplicity of the writing and the pictures that came to my mind when reading this touching story. I am sure children reading this will love the character of Pepino and his donkey Violetta.
August 11, 2021
Story about blind faith in front of adversity which boils down to one of the central paradoxes of Christianity, which demands perseverance as much as it does prostration. Not as good as The Snow Goose, but good enough.
October 8, 2017
Faith, love and a donkey. Not a recipe for a compelling story!
December 5, 2018
Read many years ago and enjoyed it.
April 17, 2019
My favourite book as a child. A simple story of love and faith.
January 26, 2020
A small, yet very nice book. Could easily be a supportive book for those that want to achieve something in live. Never lose your faith.
Loved it.
Loved it.
February 12, 2021
Charming, as all of Gallico's writing. Listened to it on youtube, read beautifully by Dear Robert of Canterbury Cathedral.
January 25, 2023
The stupidest silliest nonsense.
March 12, 2023
A delightful read about a child’s faith and his love for his donkey Violetta. Loved this book. Picked it up to read at a very timely moment, even though I have had it for a while.
May 21, 2023
Read with a cuppa and a chocolate biscuit. A precious tale of love and faith.
December 29, 2023
A sweet deceptively simple story, still touching to read after all these years.
August 14, 2024
This one was really sweet. The persistence and love of a child, the drive to save his donkey, it was a lovely little read 😊
January 2, 2025
A classic Gallico novella, charming, deftly told, winsome and moving. What’s not to like?
January 15, 2025
A book about faith and love for St Francis of Assisi
Read
December 26, 2025A moving fable with chill and direct prose, which anyone of any, or no, faith will love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews