Mikis and the Donkey

by Bibi Dumon Tak, Philip Hopman (Illustrator), Laura Watkinson (Translator)

Another moving animal tale from the award-winning author of Soldier Bear

One day, Mikis’s grandfather has a surprise for 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.

Brought to life by drawings from Philip Hopman, Bibi Dumon Tak’s gentle, humorous story is perfect for any readers who may have their own soft spot for animals.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Animals, Middle Grade, International, Childrens, Family, Cultural

89 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally I don't like scribbly casual illustrations, but these work. They're full of the kind of energy that Mikis has. Four full stars because I would have loved this as a child, reading it over and over for all the subtle themes and the details of all the different characters.

[Caren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always interested in the winner of the ALA Batchelder Award. Out of all the books published for children in the USA, very few are translations of books published abroad. This book, although originally published in the Netherlands, takes place in Greece, where young Mikis often runs right from school to visit his grandparents. One day, his grandfather has a surprise for him: a donkey to help him haul firewood from further up the mountain. The grandfather thinks of the animal in utilitarian terms, saying the creature will take the place of a tractor, but Mikis sees a new friend. Little by little, Mikis' love for the donkey convinces his grandfather that, rather than a beast of burden, the donkey is a living being who will work in partnership with him for just a little love and care. This is a lovely story for animal lovers. The text and detailed black and white penciled drawings teach a message in an understated but affecting way.

[Suzette Pereyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was translated from Dutch. It is a 2015 Batchelder Award winning book, found on the Batchelder Award website. I read it on Epic! Books. The setting is an island in Greece where a young boy and his family live in a small village. When the boy, Mikis, learns that his grandfather gets a donkey to help around the farm and olive orchards, he thinks he has a new pet. However, his grandfather considers the donkey to be a working animal, not a pet. This causes some conflict, but the grandson and the donkey develop a very close relationship. The whole town joins in when there is a problem or a celebration involving the donkey. It is a very endearing story appropriate for ages 9-12. This book could be used to compare life in a village to life in an urban setting, and also to learn about how children's responsibilities change as they grow older.

[Erin Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about the love and friendship between a young man and his new donkey, Tsaki.

Mikis goes to his grandparents after school everyday. He is given a donkey to help him work. No one understands the love Mikis has for Tsaki. His family tries to convince him that Tsaki is just a work animal and does not need all the attention he gives the donkey. As the story unfolds, Mikis and Tsaki go on many adventures and get into their own version of trouble. The townspeople do not understand the friendship but Mikis does not care. Mikis knows Tsaki deserves a life more that just working and sleeping. Tsaki

This is great book describing the love people have for animals. Mikis saved Tsaki life and Tsaki taught Mikis and the townspeople about friendship and love. This is a quick chapter book for grades 5 and up. There are little illustrations but not in color. This was a 2015 Mildred L. Batchelder Award winner. I found this book on http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/.... This book was originally published in Dutch and translated into English.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book Mikis and The Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak on the Database for Award-Winning Children's Literature page. I was able to read this book digitally on Epic, which allowed me to see the drawings that connected with the text as well. This author was awarded the Mildred Batchelder Award in 2014. It was originally written in Dutch and translated by Laura Watkinson. It is a short chapter book with some extremely detailed pencil drawings from the illustrator, Phillip Hopman. The vocabulary in the book is easy to follow with the translation and only the Greek names are a little tough to pronounce when reading the book.

This story tells the tale of Mikis, a young boy, whose grandpa gifts him a donkey. After naming the donkey Tsaki he believes that the donkey can understand him and begins to start a growing friendship with him. While everyone else in the Greek Island of Corfu thinks Mikis is crazy for treating this donkey as more than anything than a farm tool, Mikis pushes back and shows the reader and community that every living creature deserves to be respected. He fights for Tsaki's comfort and rights to be respected as an animal and being.

The story would be good for a read-aloud for a younger age to show the themes of compassion and kindness towards other people/animals. It would also be a good quick read for a 3-5 reader who likes animal stories as well. Although most kids in American might not be able to connect directly to have a donkey as a pet, the olive groves that the setting mostly takes place on, or the need for firewood to keep the house warm; the author does a good job at not focusing on those details and describes the culture around Mikis in a way that allows the reader moves through the text easily.

[Jordan Molczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Report Alternative
2. Choose a character you would like(or not like) to have as a friend. Explain why.
I chose this option because I felt like I could relate to Mikis in many ways. Mikis shares a lot of my values and my love for animals.

I read “Mikis and the Donkey.” Mikis is a boy who lives in a small village on the Greek island of Corfu. One day his life changes when his grandfather suprises him with a donkey on the farm. However, Mikis and his grandfather have much different expectations of the donkey. Mikis immediately thinks of the donkey as a pet, as I would also. His grandpa refered to the donkey as the closest thing to a work truck as he could afford.
I think that Mikis would have made a good friend growing up. I thought it was great that even though he was ridiculed by his grandparents, Mikis did not let that bother him. He had a very strong heart and stood up for what he believed was right. I believe that is a very respectable quality in a person. This means that Mikis would also be someone who is willing to think for himself. I think that is a good trait in a friend.
What I really liked about Mikis is that he was an animal person. He looked out for Tsaki the donkey no matter what. He even took her to the people doctor in the village, on a Sunday, when they were closed. The possibility of consequences from his grandfather did not matter to him. He just wanted the best for the donkey. I have a horse of my own, that I rescued from an auction. I saw my self in Mikis when he was babying Tsaki and taking care of her. I also foster for a dog rescue. I have two foster dogs right now. One I am nursing back to health after she came in to our rescue with a broken hip. This is one way I relate majorly to Mikis. My family even calls me the dog lady sometimes, like Mikis’s grandparents called him the donkey boy. I also think we would have fun riding together. He seemed to be a good rider since he rode Tsaki up and down the mountain. I love to be outside. I would have had fun helping Mikis build his stable.
No matter what happened, Mikis was always friendly to everyone he met. He was never negative. That is the kind of person I like to be around.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ode to beasts of burden--literally. Set on Corfu, this completely charming tale is about a Greek grandpa who buys a donkey because he cannot afford a truck or tractor to do the heavy labor on his farm. His grandson Mikis falls in love with the donkey and names him Tsaki. Mikis begins to worry that his grandpa is overworking Tsaki. So many books about children's concern over the treatment of animals contain painful, melodramatic plot turns, that they are difficult for sensitive kids to read and enjoy. This is not one. The reader understands that Grandpa needs the donkey to do hard labor but he is not a cruel man. Mikis articulates his deep feelings for the animal in a way that is respected by his family and village. Mikis's deep feeling for Tsaki infuses the Greek island with camaraderie and humor.

This book won the 2015 Batchelder Award, an award given to the most outstanding children’s book originally published in a language other than English in a country other than the United States, and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States. The book was written by Bibi Dumon Tak, who previously won the Batchelder Award for another animal story, Soldier Bear (see: my review). Tak has written a brief afterward about her visit to Corfu and discovery of a donkey sanctuary for retired and injured working donkeys.

[Rena · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I read a book about a parrot...and I want a parrot. Now I read a book about a donkey...and I want a donkey! This was really cute! I loved the story about Tsaki and Mikis. Kids do the weirdest things and make grown ups look like fools! And that's a good thing! Loved this story!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy and his donkey in a small village in Corfu. A great animal welfare story by the same collaborators of Soldier Bear. Imported from The Netherlands.

[Ann Gainer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful old-fashioned story set on the island of Corfu. Perfect for a read-aloud. Great depiction of grandparent and friendship relationships in a village setting.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, a bit sweet, and gently funny - this would make a lovely read-aloud to a younger kid who enjoys animal stories where nothing sad happens.

[Starla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to be friends with Mikis because he had a love for the animals just as I do. Regardless of what other had said about him he stayed strong about his beliefs. Just like me he cared about the animal (donkey) as if it were a human being. The donkey was his best friend and companion. I am a firm believer that your best friend does not have to be a person it can be any type of animal. This is yet another thing that we had in common. Mikis also wanted what was best for the donkey regardless of the consequences and others attitudes towards him and the situation. He was laughed at by numerous individuals in the village, but shrugged it off and turned it into something positive. Having Mikis as a friend would be motivational for me because he never gave up on the donkey! He had a love towards others no matter what. He always wanted what was best for others before himself. He was not afraid to stick up for himself when the time was needed! This is a friend anyone should want. Even when others were knocking him down he kept going and came back stronger than ever!
The rationale behind choosing a character you’d like to have as a friend and tell why is because we all need to have a friend that will be motivational, encouraging, and stick up for us when needed Mikis never lacked a moment that he was not determined. As stated above, he was not afraid to speak up when the time was necessary. When referencing this to the book The Book Whisper by Donalyn Miller it reminds me mostly of chapter 2. In chapter 2 it discusses how important choice is for individuals. Mikis had a choice to either allow for others to bring him down or to feedback positivity of what others were saying. An example of this within the book is when grandpa was saying the donkey was just a donkey acted as a tractor to do all the dirty work. Mikis spoke up and told his grandpa that he was not a tractor and he was a donkey. He also told his grandpa that he was over working the donkey.

[McKenna Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Realistic fiction because this story did not actually happen, the events that Mikis and the Donkey go through together could actually happen in real life.

Audience: 3rd grade because it is a chapter book but it has 3rd grade appropriate content.

Text to text: I related this piece of literature to another story written by Bibi Dumon Tak called, "Soldier Bear." This story discusses life in Poland instead of the Greek isle. It discusses different cultural aspect of time during WWII. In both stories, Tak uses animals as noble and heroic characters.
Text to world: I related this story to the different cultures of this world. In the Greek Isle, where Mikis lives, they use a donkey for work. However, in the United States we used tractors, horses, and cows for work. This just shows the different purposes for animals within different countries, communities, and cultures.
Text to self: I connected this piece of literature to a story my dad told me once. When he was younger he made friends with all his farm animals, but he was told that the animals had to be butchered for food. Although Mikis donkey was not killed, it reminded me of this story of how Mikis's grandfather told Mikis that the donkey was for work not a pet. This is exactly what happened to my dad; the animals were for food, not pets.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intermediate Multicultural Book Entry

Mikis and the Donkey is a realistic fiction book that is best suited for a 4th grade audience. I chose this genre because it is possible that an actual person could experience these events. Mikis and the Donkey is about a young boy in Greece who was given a donkey from his grandpa to take care of.

Bloom's Taxonomy:
Remembering: Name three important characters in the book.

Understanding: Explain the development of Pappou's feeling towards the donkey from the beginning to the end of the book.

Applying: Pretend you are the illustrator of Mikis and the Donkey. Construct a diorama to illustrate the surprise that Mikis discovered when he visited Tsaki in his new stable.

Analyzing: Mikis lives in Greece. Compare the similarities and differences of his life to yours.

Evaluating: Think of an animal that is used today for a purpose of serving humans (a farm animal for example.) Argue whether or not you think it is right for humans to use animals for work just like Tsaki was.

Creating: Devise a method or invention that would convince Tsaki to move into his new stable.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Mikis who gets a donkey from his grandma and grandpa. He has a hard time deciding what to name his donkey so he starts saying names off a list and lets the donkey decide by blinking when he gets to the name he wants. The donkey ends up blinking when he says Tsaki so that ends up being the donkeys name. Tsaki helps the boy and his grandpa do labor throughout the day but one day Tsaki gets hurt and can no longer do intensive labor. One day Mikis and his friend were walking Tsaki and Tsaki ends up running off and mates with another donkey. Tsaki’s mate gives birth to a baby girl goat and just like how Tsaki’s got his name, Mikis starts going off a list and waits till the baby blinks to give her official name. I did not enjoy this book as some of the language was hard to understand. I would use this book to teach about beginning, middle end of a story. I would provide pictures of the story as a support for students that need it.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mikis lives on the island of Corfu with his family. He spends a lot of time with his grandparents as well. One day grandpa gets a new donkey and lets Mikis name the donkey. At first he doesn't believe Tsaki picked her own name, but soon notices how she follows Mikis like a pet. Grandpa purchased the donkey to help carry firewood down the mountain and uses her as a pack animal. Mikis protests this treatment and wants Tsaki to have a better life including a friend and new stable. This short novel gives a brief glimpse into what life in Greece is like for regular villagers. It also shows how animals are still used the same way they were many years ago. I liked the inter-generational family life shown here and how close knit the villagers are. I do think the book probably lost a bit in translation and is a bit simple, but it is still a very readable story and an enjoyable one.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bibi Dumon Tak's book, "Mikis and the Donkey" is a delightful book about a compassionate boy named Mikis and his journey to help his grandparent's donkey, Tsaki, have a positive and enjoyable life. Mikis is a caring and sympathetic boy and grows very attached to his grandparent's new work donkey. He comes up with a way for the donkey to name herself and he attempts to care for her as best he can. He recognizes the signs that his grandfather is overworking the donkey and he does what he can to help change his grandfather's opinion of Tsaki. Mikis also shows the importance of community as he attempts to include outside members in his pursuit of providing Tsaki with everything a happy donkey could ever want. In the end, he becomes closer with his grandfather and helps to teach others that anyone, even a donkey, deserve compassion and kindness.

[Iris Perez]

The book follows the story of Mikis, a boy who is given a donkey from his grandparents. When he has some difficulty deciding what to name his donkey, he decides to say a bunch of names until the donkey blinks. When he blinks, the name that was said is what Mikis names the donkey; The name his donkey’s blink landed on was Tsaki. Tsaki and Mikis spend all their Sundays together, and Tsaki is used to help Mikis and his grandfather with work until she gets hurt. I like how in the story it shows the relationship between Mikis and his grandfather. The boy basically shows his grandfather the importance of how to treat an animal. With this book a teaching idea could be having the students use key details from the story to demonstrate their understanding of the story. Another could be beginning, middle, and end using the book.

[Melissa Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mikis is delighted when his grandparents get a donkey. While his grandfather sees the donkey as a machine to help haul wood, Mikis see the donkey as a friend who needs time to rest, good food and shelter, and company just like people do. He becomes known as the donkey boy as he changes the villagers' views about how to treat the animals they use for labor.


For Dr. Day's reading challenge:
Copyright: 2011
Awards: Mildred L. Batcheleder, ALA Notable Books for Children
Genre: Fiction
This was a fun book to read. I enjoyed how the author included little details and ways that children see the world in her descriptions. Mikis is a relatable, believable character in the way he rushes through life and in his relationships with his grandfather and friends. I would use this in my classroom as a way to teach care for animals and doing what is right even when those around you aren't.

[Anna Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikis and the Donkey won the Batchelder Award. This award is an American Library Association literary award that annually recognizes the publisher of the year's "most outstanding" children's book translated into English and published in the U.S. This book is about the developing friendship of a donkey and a boy named Mikis. They make some friends during their adventure on the island Corfu. The author does an amazing job displaying the message of friendship, and this book has been read by many all around the world. Teacher can utilize this book in their social studies lesson to learn ore about Greek islands.

[Linda DiGaetano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute story concerning a boy and his donkey. It reminded me of Charlotte's web as the children were very attached to their pets. Mikis was convinced that the donkey understood what we was saying in regards to choosing a name for her. It showed to that Mikis was truly attached to his donkey and would do anything for her. The story showed resolve in that Mikis stood up for the donkey, protected her, trusted her and was truly a good pet owner. For a little boy he was very responsible. I thought the read was very easy as the chapters were nice and short.

[Libbie Huhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although Mikis and the Donkey is a lengthier book than most children's books, I think it is worth the read. For younger readers, it is more of a book that teachers should read to their students, rather than letting them read alone. However, it is a great story about the friendship between a boy, Mikis, and his Donkey. The two form a friendship unlike any others in the town, and despite everyone kind of laughing at Mikis, their friendship continues to grow. This book also takes a nice perspective on another culture because it is set in islands in Greece.

[Emily Beese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me mixed feelings, on one hand I love the main topic of being kind that is shown throughout the book. Being kind is always an important lesson to teach kids. Another thing I love about this book is it teaches adults make mistakes too and sometimes adults can learn things from kids. What I don't like about the book is that it is so slow and boring. I can not see a kid these days sitting down and reading this through. If a child can not sit through the book all the lessons it has to teach are kind of wasted. This book has a lot to teach kids about being ethical towards animals.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a really cute story that was translated from the Dutch. I chose to read it simply because I enjoy foreign literature in translation. It was short, but if it had been any longer I think it would have been too much. I have nothing bad to say about this book, and the only reason it doesn't get a higher rating is that it was a bit simplistic to say I loved it. Not that simplicity is a bad thing, but I tend to love either action-packed or very deep books, and I didn't feel this was either.

[Madi Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak is a wonderful story about a Greek boy, Mikis, and his pet donkey, Tsaki. Mikis loves Tsaki and does everything he can to take care of her, even when his Grandpa makes fun of him. I loved the message of this story to love others, including animals, and they will show you love back. I would read this story to my class as a way of teaching that patience and love are two of the most important virtues we as humans can possess.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was good. I enjoyed learning about what the Batchelder Award is, and I really like how the award connects children from around the world by translating popular children's books. The book wasn't extremely entertaining, so I can see how children might not love it - I would have also liked to have read a hard copy, I was listening to a read-aloud version on YouTube so that might have something to do with it as well.

[Lisa Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a poignant story about a young Greek boy, Mikis, and his donkey. Readers will delight in how Mikis cares for his donkey when others laugh and tease him. They will learn to see the donkey as he does and care for it just as his village does after something unexpected happens. A heart-warming story for readers, young and old alike, that reminds us all to take time to listen, observe, and show compassion.

[Stephanie Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy book, however, some of the concepts are a bit complicated and meant for older children. The book is actually set in Greece, so it's a fantastic book for teaching about culture and diversity. There's only about 100 pages, and it only took me a few hours to read, cover to cover.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, simple story about one boy’s very special pet. I worried that someone might dash his dreams a bit, because Mikis’ Pappou believed a donkey was little more than a tractor, but Mikis and his donkey, Tsaki, won over the hearts of the entire village. This brief children’s novel makes me want to visit Greece again. This time, I want to visit the donkey sanctuary on Corfu.

[Blaine Gerdes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really cool, it was translated to English but wasn't Americanized which made reading it interesting. I like the relationship between Mikis and Tsaki (the donkey) and the relationship between Tsaki and Mikis grandfather, Through the generations you were able to see as a reader what the donkey meant to each.