Jacki Kellum Quotes

“Children will experience the first Christmas through new eyes in this incredibly moving story of the Nativity, told by the gentle but determined donkey that carried Jesus’s parents to Bethlehem. It’s a perfect Christmas gift book for snuggling up and sharing." Random House Children's Books about The Donkey's Song by Jacki Kellum”
― Random House Children's Books

“What enchanted me most was your unexpected word choice throughout. Every line felt like a surprise and a perfect little package. And tying it up so neatly yet emotionally. It’s a masterpiece, Jacki." Frances Gilbert in Tweet to Jacki Kellum about her book The Donkey's Song”
― Frances Gilbert

“Sleepy but Strong, I clip-clopped along,
To rest in a stable of straw.
No room for a bed, I stood near instead,
And listened and sniffed as I saw." Jacki Kellum from her picture book The Donkey's Song - Random House Children's Books - 2022”
― Jacki Kellum

“A rhyming Nativity narrative.

"The donkey who carried Mary to the Nativity calmly focuses on feelings of wonderment surrounding the child’s birth. With huge eyes...the little donkey is utterly adorable. Lines like “a bit of tingle-my-toes. / That’s how the evergreen / smelled to me, / a bit of fresh pine to my nose” offer opportunities for caregivers to extend the reading to sensory activities, though the scent of pine doesn’t seem historically accurate. An uncluttered stable features friendly, curious barn animals that greet baby Jesus along with the three Wise Men. Told in verse, the tale evokes a tender, pleasant mood. ...“I lifted my head / above His hay bed // …and sang of this morning of grace.” Jesus, referred to as “the Baby” and “the Babe,” is tan-skinned, as are his parents. Two of the Wise Men are light-skinned, while one is darker-skinned. A gentle, spare tale, part bedtime story, part Christmas fare. (Picture book. 2-5)" Kirkus Reviews”
― Jacki Kellum, The Donkey's Song: A Christmas Nativity Story

“Publishers Weekly, September 9, 2022

The Donkey’s Song: A Christmas Nativity Story

"The humble donkey that transported Mary to the Bethlehem stable describes the sights, smells, and sounds it experiences in this peaceful imagining of Jesus’s birth. Using short rhyming stanzas and reiterative phrasing (“A bit of a manger,/ a bit of snug hay,/ a bit of a soft, silent night”), debut author Kellum creates an understated tone matched by Hanson’s pastoral scenes, which are gently washed in light. Friendly-faced farm animals—including the large-headed donkey and a kind, sprightly mouse—fill most of the spreads, leading in closing pages to the donkey’s moving song: “I lifted my head/ above His hay bed...// ...and sang of this morning of grace.” A sweet and gentle introduction to the nativity story". Ages 3–7. (Oct.) - Publishers Weekly”
― Jacki Kellum