Diego the Donkey

by Lolisa Marie Monroe, Carol Liddiment (illustrator)

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 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 Monroe's storytelling, offering readers an enriching and entertaining read.

Diego the Donkey recently received a 5-star review from Readers Favorite Reviews, a gold trophy from BookView Reviews, and a recommendation from Prairies Book Reviews.

2024 Royal Palm Awards, Silver for Children's Books

Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2018

About the author

Lolisa Marie Monroe is an award-winning children's author celebrated for her enchanting and inclusive storytelling. Known for her ability to blend warmth and empathy into timeless tales, Monroe's works inspire young readers to embrace acceptance and celebrate differences. With a deep love for animals and a passion for children’s literature, she crafts stories that entertain and foster a sense of compassion and understanding.
Now based in Florida, Monroe shares her life with her husband, Scott. When she's not writing, she enjoys exploring her creativity behind the camera lens or in the kitchen, working on her upcoming cookbook. Monroe’s dream is to put many little books into little hands, ensuring every child can find joy, hope, and a sense of belonging in her stories.

Reviews

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet!

This is just a sweet book because kids have to get to other kids who are different. And it is also good when you finally find that person you have something in common with.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A forlorn donkey in the midst of a vast farm, suffers from an acute sense of isolation in Monroe’s charming picture book. Diego, a young donkey, has always felt lonely. His futile attempts at communication with the other animals - goats, cows, dogs, pigs, ponies, lambs, cats, and horses - only deepens his loneliness. But one day, a fellow donkey appears on the farm. As soon as Diego utters his signature "Hee-Haw," the new donkey responds in kind, making Diego feel like he belonged.

Monroe masterfully captures Diego's longing for companionship, painting a vivid image of his isolation through simple yet poignant language. The repetition of Diego's failed attempts at communication highlights his deep yearning to belong, while also building a rhythmic flow that engages young readers.

As Duncan enters the story, Monroe's prose shifts to convey the joy and excitement of finally finding someone who understands. This moment is both subtle and powerful, emphasizing the significance of connection and friendship in a way that speaks directly to children. The blossoming friendship between Diego and Duncan is portrayed with warmth and sincerity. Through their bond, Monroe beautifully conveys the themes of belonging and companionship.

Carol Liddiment’s vibrant illustrations of the different animals are both realistic and whimsical, making them easily recognizable and endearing to young readers. Engaging, relatable, and fun.

[Avira N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monroe’s debut picture book is a touching tale of an isolated donkey longing for connection on a desolate farm. Despite his efforts to befriend various animals, Diego, the donkey, remains alone and misunderstood. But when a new donkey named Duncan arrives, their exchange of "Hee-Haw" greetings sparks a deep friendship that transforms Diego's life.

Monroe’s child-friendly prose ensures that the emotional arc of the story is both compelling and comprehensible. Through raw and candid prose, she delves into the heart-wrenching realities of loneliness and the desperate yearning for acceptance. Her use of simple language, repetitive structures, and vivid imagery makes Diego's journey from loneliness to friendship resonate deeply with young readers.

Carol Liddiment's illustrations do more than just accompany the text; they enhance the storytelling by providing visual cues that deepen the youngsters’ emotional connection to Diego's journey. This poignant exploration of how even the most complex emotions can be conveyed with simplicity, and how the most unexpected connections can bring boundless joy is a must-read for both young and old. 

[Rella B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and relatable story for readers of all ages, this book will resonate with anyone who has ever longed to belong. Diego the Donkey, the main character, struggles to find his place on the farm as the other animals don't speak his language. This leaves him feeling isolated and lonely. But everything changes when another donkey arrives at the farm, and Diego finally meets someone who understands him.

The author does an excellent job of capturing Diego’s emotions, making it easy for readers to sympathize with his feelings of loneliness and hope. The simple yet beautiful artwork adds warmth to the story, making it feel like a comforting hug to readers.

This book sends a powerful message about the importance of friendship and finding where you truly belong. It also has great educational value, helping children learn about farm animals and the sounds they make. A wonderful read for kids and adults alike.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diego the Donkey by Lolisa Marie Monroe is a story of how one farmyard animal struggles to find where he belongs on a large farm filled with animals who don’t speak his language. This book teaches young children about the many animals that live on a farm and the sounds they make. It also teaches us the importance of belonging and friendship. Diego searches long and hard before he finally finds a fellow donkey friend who understands him and makes him feel at home. Lolisa Marie Monroe continues to remind us of the importance of connection and belonging in this touching story about a little Donkey named Diego.

Children and adults will be sure to fall in love with the story by Lolisa Marie Monroe and the beautiful illustrations but Carol Liddiment. This book should be read over and over again and enjoyed in households and classrooms around the world!

[Elizabeth Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author uses the power of storytelling to reach out to children about the importance of inclusion. Beautifully illustrated in soft, gentle hues, this heartwarming tale about the significance of belonging and connection will delight children and adults alike. This book would be a great addition to any child's library. I added it to my granddaughter's.

[Ann Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Diego lives on a farm with many other animals, he longs for connection and searches for a friend who speaks his language. This is a touching story that kids will relate to while they learn all about different kinds of farm animals and the sounds they make. The illustrations complement this moving journey to friendship beautifully.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diego the Donkey is a cute story with wonderful illustrations that any child would enjoy! Lolisa's love of animals and desire to delight children with her stories shines through this sweet tale.

[Mom1kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and Uplifting
Diego’s journey to friendship is both touching and inspiring. A must-have for every child’s library!

[Janet Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Diego the Donkey" is a charming picture book for children, featuring a lonely little donkey who is puzzled by the sounds of other farm animals, and he feels left out. It's not only an engaging tale but also educational, teaching children about the different sounds farm animals make. The illustrations beautifully complement the narrative. 5 Stars!