Saving Winslow

Creech (Moo) spins a heartfelt yarn about a boy’s struggles trying to raise a baby donkey. Ten-year-old Louie has repeatedly struck out with animals: worms dried up, a parakeet passed on, a found kitten ran away. But when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey from Uncle Pete’s farm, Louie is determined to save the “pitiful-looking” creature he names Winslow. The infant requires bottle-feeding, injections, and almost constant nurturing, but Louie refuses to listen to others’ pessimism, including that of his new friend Nora. As always, Creech packs a tremendous amount of emotion between the lines of her understated prose. Readers will feel Louie’s longing for his older brother, who is serving in the military and signs his letters, “Remember me”; Nora’s lack of hope, which stems from losing her premature baby brother; and the children’s shared affection for each other and the tiny donkey. Animal lovers in particular will relish Louie’s hard-won triumphs and find joy in Winslow’s strength. Ages 8–12. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. [em](Sept.) [/em]