The Speaking Donkey and Other Bible Stories
What’s inside...
The Speaking Donkey and Other Bible Stories is a collection of well-known and beloved stories from the Bible, retold in a captivating and engaging manner by Elsie Oghenekaro. The book brings these timeless tales to life, making them accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages. It features stories such as Balaam being saved by his donkey from God's anger, David protecting his sheep from a lion, and Daniel being spared by hungry lions, providing a wonderful introduction to the teachings and lessons found in the Bible.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the donkey felt when it spoke to Balaam? How would you feel if your pet suddenly started talking?
Which story in the book was your favorite and why?
How do the characters in the stories show bravery or kindness?
What did you learn about helping others from these Bible stories?
If you could be a part of any story from the book, which one would it be and what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive facial and vocal expressions when discussing the stories to make the discussion more lively and captivating.
Relate the stories to everyday situations or personal family experiences to make the themes more accessible and relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for the characters to foster creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The story of 'The Speaking Donkey' illustrates the consequences of deceit and the value of being truthful through the character of Balaam and his interaction with his donkey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their daily interactions and understand that being truthful builds trust and respect among peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: In various stories, characters face moral dilemmas and the courageous ones who stand up for justice are rewarded. These narratives reinforce the virtue of bravery in the face of wrongdoing.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be assertive and stand up against unfairness whether in school, among friends, or at home.
Example Lesson: The power of faith
Explanation: Stories like 'Daniel in the Lion’s Den' show how unwavering faith in difficult situations can provide strength and lead to miraculous outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of having faith and being steadfast in their beliefs, which can help them navigate challenges in life.
Example Lesson: Respecting and embracing differences
Explanation: The collection of stories promotes diversity and acceptance by showcasing prophets and characters from varied backgrounds and experiences.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to appreciate and respect people who are different from them, fostering a more inclusive attitude in their everyday social interactions.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: In the story of 'Achan’s Sin', the negative impacts of greed are depicted when Achan's choices bring trouble to his entire community.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that selfishness and greed can harm not only themselves but also those around them, promoting a sense of community and the wellbeing of others.