Devil's donkey
#3 in Coven Tree Series
on Goodreads (81)
What’s inside...
When 14-year-old Dan'l Pitt's hard-boiled Yankee scepticism runs headlong into some of New England's eerie, inexplicable superstitions, who could predict he would be transformed into a donkey by a vengeful wish? When Dan'l Pitt is changed into a donkey by Old Magda, his clever cousin Stew Meat must match wits with the witch and her master, the Devil, to break the magic spell.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Ben to trade for the donkey, and would you have made the same decision?
How do you feel about the way Ben handled the challenges he faced with the donkey?
In what ways did the characters in the story show creativity or cleverness?
What lessons do you think Ben learned by the end of the book?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who and what would you ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child what they liked most about the story, this can help them feel more connected and open to deeper discussions.
Encourage your child to think about the decisions made by characters in the book. Discuss alternative choices and their possible outcomes.
Use examples from the book to talk about problem-solving and ask your child how they might handle similar situations.
Discuss the emotions of various characters and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations, promoting empathy and emotional understanding.
Highlight the importance of perseverance shown by characters in the story and relate it to real-life scenarios your child may face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'Devil's Donkey,' the protagonist learns the value of being kind to others, even when it's challenging. This is demonstrated when he chooses to help the donkey despite fearing its mysterious origins.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by offering help or a kind gesture to their peers, fostering a positive and supportive environment at school or in the neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The story illustrates courage when the protagonist decides to take care of the donkey despite rumors and fears surrounding it. His actions teach that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward in spite of it.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach new experiences or challenges with an open mind, whether it's trying out a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity
Explanation: Curiosity drives the protagonist to learn more about the donkey and uncover the truth behind the myths. This highlights how curiosity can lead to new understandings and dispel unfounded fears.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers, promoting a lifelong love for learning and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: Taking care of the donkey teaches the protagonist about responsibility. Through his journey, he learns the importance of caring for others and the commitments involved.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life through tasks such as caring for a pet, helping with chores at home, or looking after younger siblings, instilling a sense of responsibility and empathy.