The Children of the King

The Railway Children: By Edith Nesbit : Illustrated

Corby Flood

On the Wings of Heroes

Five Children on the Western Front

Soldier Dog

Oranges in No Man's Land

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

From extraordinary novelist Sonya Hartnett comes a gently told fable of a lost soldier, heroic children, and a steadfast donkey.

One morning in the woods of World War I France, two young sisters stumble upon an astonishing find — a soldier, temporarily blinded by war, who has walked away from battle longing to see his gravely ill younger brother. Soon the care of the soldier becomes the girls' preoccupation, but it's not just the secret they share that emboldens them to steal food and other comforting items for the man. They are fascinated by what he holds in his hand — a tiny silver donkey. As the girls and their brother devise a plan for the soldier's safe passage home, he repays them by telling four wondrous tales about the humble donkey — from the legend of Bethlehem to a myth of India, from a story of rescue in war to a tale of family close to the soldier's heart. Sonya Hartnett explores rich new territory in this inspiring tale of kindness, loyalty, and courage.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

The Children of the King

Sonya Hartnett, 2012

The Railway Children: By Edith Nesbit : Illustrated

E. Nesbit, Edith Nesbit, 1906

Corby Flood

Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell, 2005

On the Wings of Heroes

Richard Peck, 2007

Five Children on the Western Front

Kate Saunders, 2014

Soldier Dog

Sam Angus, 2012

Oranges in No Man's Land

Elizabeth Laird, 2006

Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna

Alda P. Dobbs, 2021