Little Green Donkey

Employing vibrant mixed media illustrations and an exuberant, single-minded protagonist, Allepuz (That Fruit Is Mine!) presents a comic cautionary tale for picky eaters. Round-bellied Little Donkey has a very limited palate that—despite his mother’s pleas—consists entirely of grass, “so sweet and tangy, flavory fresh and green!” “Even my pillow is made of grass, so that when I wake up, I can start eating right away,” Little Donkey declares. An opening image of the animal luxuriating in a lush emerald field makes grass seem very tasty indeed, but as Little Donkey’s belly fills, the voracious eater transforms from pale gray to viridescent. Venturing to a stream for water, Little Donkey is shocked by the lawn-like reflection staring back: “I am a GIGANTIC herb!” When an attempt at a muddy, leafy disguise fails to fool Little Donkey’s mom, she attempts to offer her child some new foods—oranges, grapes, apples, watermelon. Via a mostly blank text-only spread, readers are told that nothing is as delicious as grass. But an explosion of carroty confetti, and an amusing tune celebrating the orange food, suggest that Little Donkey’s newest obsession may again have colorful consequences. The bright, silly humor of Allepuz’s gleeful gourmand will leave even the fussiest eaters giggling. Ages 3–7. [em](July) [/em]