The Donkey Who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul

“The Donkey Who Carried a King offers a unique perspective on the events of Jesus’ Passion Week and calls all believers, both young and old, to follow in the footsteps of the Suffering Servant for the glory of God.” – Publisher’s Synopsis from Amazon

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TITLE: The Donkey Who Carried a King

AUTHOR: R.C. Sproul

ILLUSTRATOR: Chuck Groenink

NUMBER OF PAGES: 38

NUMBER OF CHAPTERS / SUBHEADINGS: None

AGE RANGE: 3-9  (my recommendation for read-aloud)

ILLUSTRATIONS: full page illustrations, muted colors with vintage look, warm color palette with soft lines.

OVERVIEW:  An Easter story told from the perspective of the donkey who carried Jesus into Jerusalem.

THEME: God gives each of us a special job to do. Sometimes our jobs seem noble, other times our job seems lowly. No matter what job God has given you to do, you should do it cheerfully.

SUMMARY:

An eight year old boy named Reilly was feeling left out at school — he always got picked last for sports teams.  Grandpa encouraged Reilly by telling him a story about a donkey named Davey. Davey was feeling left out as well, because he had never been picked for any special jobs.  He was too young to do the same work the older donkeys were doing. But one day, two men came and chose Davey, saying: “The Master needs you.” A King named Jesus rode Davey into the city of Jerusalem while crowds waved and cheered. The little donkey felt honored and proud to be chosen to carry a king.  

The next day, however, Davey’s master asked him to carry sacks of olives. Davey now thought he was too important for such a task, after having carried a king. But his friend Barnabas helps him to understand that we should always be content, no matter what job our master gives us to do. 

At the end of the story, Grandpa explains the rest of the crucifixion story to Reilly.

SPECIAL FEATURES: 

• A section titled “For the Parents” that includes questions to help children understand the story and apply truths to their own lives.
• Each discussion question also includes a corresponding answer, as well as a scripture verse.

RECOMMENDATION:  This is a sweet story that teaches clear moral lessons, in addition to recounting the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection. I would recommend adding it to your Easter collection.  

AGE RANGE: 3-9 

PUBLISHER: Reformation Trust

PUBLISHING DATE: 2012

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS: “The biblical teaching that Jesus was the Suffering Servant who carried the sins of His people when He went to the cross is vividly brought home to children in The Donkey Who Carried a King, the latest children’s book from respected theologian, author, and educator Dr. R.C. Sproul.

“Davey was a young donkey who was bored and unhappy because he was never given anything to do. Then one day, some strangers came to the gate―and Davey’s master picked him for a very special task. Davey carried the King, Jesus, into Jerusalem. A few days later, Davey saw some angry people making the King carry a heavy beam of wood. Davey could not understand it―until another donkey helped him see that the King was being a Servant on behalf of His people.

“The Donkey Who Carried a King offers a unique perspective on the events of Jesus’ Passion Week and calls all believers, both young and old, to follow in the footsteps of the Suffering Servant for the glory of God. Jesus was willing to leave the glories of heaven to suffer and die in this world on our behalf, so we should serve Him with all our hearts.”  — Publisher’s Synopsis, Amazon.com

AMAZON LINK TO AUTHOR PAGE:  RC Sproul

AUTHOR WEBSITE: https://www.ligonier.org/about/rc-sproul/

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