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Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Donnie the Dancing Donkey is a delightful children’s picture book written by Jackie Cano and illustrated by Amalia Amelios. The story follows Donnie, a young donkey who dreams of dancing like his idol, Prancer. However, his classmates often tease him, telling him he is not a good dancer. Despite this discouragement, Donnie decides to audition for the school play, which includes dancing roles, and he impressively secures the second lead. As Donnie passionately practices his dance moves, he also observes the lead dancer's choreography and grace. This preparation proves crucial when the lead sustains an injury, allowing Donnie to step into the role. Although he faces further criticism from his classmates, Donnie gets encouragement from his friend, his dance instructor, and his grandmother. With their support, he gains the confidence to perform on stage and show his unique dancing skills.
Donnie the Dancing Donkey is a heartwarming tale about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of kindness in the face of bullying. Young readers can relate to Donnie’s struggles with self-doubt and the negativity from his peers, while also learning to appreciate encouragement from loved ones who believe in their potential. The story emphasizes themes of acceptance and the joy of pursuing one’s passions, reinforcing the message that it's okay to be different. Jackie Cano’s narrative flows with lyrical, rhyming words that give the book a musical quality. The colorful illustrations make it visually appealing, with well-depicted animals that beautifully complement the narrative, bringing the story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Donnie the Dancing Donkey because it effectively illustrates the value of determination and empathy. It is an inspiring read for children and a reflective experience for adults.
