Saving Winslow

How can anyone not love Sharon Creech's work? Impossible. This short, sweet story will (excuse the cliche) tug at your heartstrings. Louie is caring for Winslow, a tiny donkey born to an ailing mother who is not able to care for him. Louie defies anyone who says Winslow might not make it. He himself was born premature and tiny and HE made it. But the brother of his new friend Nora had not made it; she's afraid to get close to anyone or anything that might leave or die. Add to this Louie missing his older brother who is serving in the army. And then there's the neighbor who complains constantly that the donkey (as Winslow—spoiler alert—begins to grow stronger) is waking her baby with his noise. And his friend Mack's love life. And show more Louie's tender heart and an artist's way of looking at the world.

Yesterday I would have told you that donkeys don't interest me. Today, I cried reading about a fictional one.

Adding this to our grade 4 and 5 school library immediately. While it is a book for everyone, it's a bonus that the short chapters will appeal to my reluctant readers. And once they read this, I'll have them hooked on books. Thanks, Sharon. show less

10 year old Louie hasn't had much luck with nurturing small animals, so when his uncle asks him to care for a tiny frail newborn donkey, he's determined this animal is going to make it. He names him Winslow, and makes a bed for him where he can keep an eye on him all night, takes great care of him and makes sure no one gets away with saying he isn't going to make it. The little donkey makes Louie miss his brother Gus whose in the army less. He meets a girl named Nora who has losses of her own. Can a weak little donkey change lives? Good for grades 3-5.

SAVING WINSLOW is a truly heart-warming story of a boy befriending a sick mini donkey. Louie is used to his father bringing home fatally ill animals from his uncle’s farm. But when he father brings home a scrawny little donkey Louie is determined that Winslow (as Louie names him) will NOT die. Louis misses his brother Gus who is away serving in the military but he finds that caring for Winslow helps Louie somehow feel closer to his brother.

Everyone is so sure that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie’s classmate Nora. After the deaths of a baby brother and her dog, Nora is reluctant to get close to anything or anyone. But how can anyone turn away from cute little Winslow!

This is a beautifully written uplifting story of show more friendships and love. Perfect for ages 8-12.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and Joanna Cotler Books for the advance copy to review. show less

Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures. So when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, he's determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him helps Louie feel closer to his brother, Gus, who is far, far away in the army. Everyone worries that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie’s quirky new friend, Nora, who has experienced loss of her own. But as Louie's bond with Winslow grows, surprising and life-altering events prove that this fragile donkey is stronger than anyone could have imagined. This standout tale about love and friendship and letting go will tug at the heartstrings. publisher

Narrated by Kirby Heybourne. Louie's father brings home an ailing baby donkey. Everyone is sure it will die but Louie takes on the mission of caring for Winslow and keeping him alive and growing. With big brother Gus away in the military, the family feels his absence keenly. Caring for Winslow gives Louie purpose while missing Gus. As always, Heybourne brings out the story's humor and affection.

Louie does not have much luck taking care of animals; even goldfish don’t live very long for him. So when his father brings home a very sick little donkey, no one expects it to survive. No one that is except Louie. Through hard work and sheer determination, Louie nurtures this little donkey and even names him Winslow.

This book is highly recommended for readers in grades 2-4. The author weaves a beautiful, heartfelt story of love, loss and survival. Animal lovers will not be able to put down this character driven story. This book would also be a great read aloud for younger students.

Kids & Baby animals - it is well written & would be enjoyed by younger kids who love animal stories - there is also some subtext around friendship, loss & the main character is missing his brother who is on active duty in the military that might strike a chord with the slightly older middle school readers.

But it didn't grab me as much as I would have expected.