A Heartwarming Summer Read

Is anyone else starting to feel the heat? It's hard to believe summer is already here! I know I've been away for a while, but that's life, as I'm sure you understand. However, there's no need to fear—I haven't given up my hobby of reading completely! My love for books and sharing them remains strong. Now, with a little summer break ahead, I'm ready to dive back into more reviews!

I still have some new reading to catch up on, but in the meantime, I thought I'd make this a "Throwback Tuesday" and review another one of my favorite children's books.

This is one is by one of my favorite authors as well, Sharon Creech. She has written so many children's books and they are all so heartfelt and sweet! I've been reading her books since I was in middle school, so I keep up with her. This particular book is called Saving Winslow.

image courtesy of goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36039328-saving-winslow?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=bI7VEqr0EP&rank=1

This book came to mind recently during a conversation with a friend who expressed interest in having some donkeys on their property. I had to check it out again and read it for a second time! It was such an impactful story, I have not been able to forget it. It was how I found out that donkeys are natural protectors. Apparently, they make great "watch dogs" on a farm!

Our story begins with Louie, a ten year old boy, who is surprised one night when his father brings home a mini donkey. The mini donkey is very young, fragile, and his mother is too sick to care for him. Louie's dad doesn't think he will make it through the night. But he just couldn't leave him alone to die. So Louie immediately takes all responsibility for taking care of Winslow. He insists he will make it, and tells everyone they better think positive.

I was impressed with Louie. He's young, but he cares for Winslow the way an adult would. He mixes formula just for Winslow, feeds him with a bottle, gives him shots of antibiotics when he gets sick, and even gets him diapers for a while so he can stay indoors. I don't think I know any ten year olds who could do all that! I'm not even sure I could do all that!

Anyway, thanks to Louie's TLC, Winslow does indeed survive. We find out that Louie was a premature baby himself, and feels a strong connection to Winslow because of it. He wonders if his parents worried about him, the way he worries for Winslow.

They neighbors all have different reactions to Winslow, as he grows. A little girl next door, Nora, confuses Louie with her reaction. Her words say, "Winslow probably won't make it. If you love something is usually goes away." But her actions say she loves Winslow just as much as Louie does.

I felt so much sympathy for little Nora. As soon as she appeared with her negative-Nancy attitude, I knew what was going on. She had lost something or someone close to her, and predicting Winslow would die was a way of protecting herself. It becomes apparent as we read that Nora does love Winslow, but she's afraid to become too attached. She thinks that assuming the worst will somehow make things easier. I myself have been guilty of the same tactic in life. Haven't we all, at some point? It was such a great way to illustrate a lesson to young readers. Because the longer Nora remains friends with Louie, the more she learns not to always assume the worst. And doing that doesn't really protect us in the end anyway.

As Winslow grows, he does begin to have protective qualities. He makes a loud ruckus if any strangers show up. Problem is, the other neighbors don't appreciate all the noise, and end up reporting it to the local authorities. Turns out, Louie's land is outside the approved zone for farm animals. The family is forced to rehome Winslow.

Now poor Louie is heartbroken. He's such a precious soul in the story, he feels real. He himself is already struggling with a sort of loss; his older brother Gus has joined the army and is far, far away. Now, Winslow has to go too? I was devastated for him.

But the neighbors being to have a change of heart when Winslow makes a huge save. No spoilers here, but it turns out that Winslow doesn't just make noise because of stray dogs or new people. Winslow becomes a hero, but that still doesn't change the zoning rules. So where will Winslow stay?

As you can tell if you've made it this far in the review, this is just a precious, feel good story. It's a quick read for adults, but you should read it anyway! If you're taking a trip to the beach this summer, it is a perfect read under the umbrella. And you'll probably finish it by the time everyone is ready to get back to the hotel! Then you need to pass it on to any kiddos with you. By the time you finish, you're all going to want a donkey to name Winslow.

I'm looking forward to some more reviews! I hope you'll join me once again on the blog for a quick break from reality. Happy Reading!