Kirkus Reviews (March 9, 2023)

The farmer’s offhand comment creates a crisis for Donkey and the barnyard cats.

Despite his name, Donkey knows he is a cat. After all, Farmer always says, “Goodnight, kitty cats!” before leaving the barn for the night. Donkey licks, pounces, and perches like a cat, but sometimes he feels out of place. When Donkey climbs onto Farmer’s lap one day, she exclaims that he is acting just like a cat. “What if I’m NOT a cat?” Donkey asks the barn’s cats. The logical cats suggest he is a dog, cow, horse, or “a spiffy, strong cat” capable of protecting them. Knowing he doesn’t belong with the cats, Donkey sadly leaves the warm barn for the cold, rainy pasture. Later, he hears “scaredy-cat whimpers.” Racing to defend a kitten from a fox, Donkey instinctively turns and bucks his back legs high into the air. The fox flees. When Donkey and the kitten return to the barn to a “mewed chorus of cheers,” Donkey embraces his true self and reveals his new identity—Don-kitty! Detailed cartoon illustrations vary from scenes spanning double-page spreads to vignettes that result in fast action. Speech-bubble commentary and feline facial expressions help develop the cats’ personalities and make for a warm and funny read. Farmer is light-skinned with blond hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Delightful barnyard humor sends the important messages of embracing individual strengths and the power of friendship. (Picture book. 4-7)

The Patchwork Fox (Jan. 10, 2023)

Why, of course Donkey’s a cat. He spends all his time with the other cats on the farm. He licks his fur and pounces, just like they do. He even cuddles with them at nap time. Though, he must admit, sometimes he does feel … a little off. So, when Farmer says to him, “Donkey, you’re acting like a cat!” it gets him thinking. What if he’s not a cat? And if not, then what is he? Will going off on his own help Donkey figure out what he is and where he belongs?

Immediate post-read thoughts: wholesome, funny, heart-warming, insightful.

I think this book is a great tool to help teach children about accepting and celebrating differences.

The recommended age range for this book is four-to-seven years old, and I think the story and illustrations combined will be perfect for this audience.

The story gently guides the reader through learning that a person (or donkey!) doesn’t have to fit neatly into one box, category or label. It’s a lovely way of showing the reader that identity is comprised not only of physical traits, but of our actions, our connections, our values, and so on.

Writing-wise, I enjoyed the author’s use of sound (“mee-haw” got me every time!) to encourage the child to participate in an active reading process that allows them to be a bit silly and have fun.

I also like how the various characters have their own speech bubbles across the pages, again encouraging the child to engage with the story by spotting each bubble and looking at the different emotions expressed by each character.

The illustrations are beautiful and the style is an excellent match for the tone of the story.

Thank you, Kids Can Press, for providing me with this advance review copy.