Rating: 
Summary: a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose...
Review: "The Donkey's Dream" by Barbara Helen Berger is one of the most beautiful tellings of the nativity story that I have ever read. It is a crystal clear, beautifully simple look at the story of Jesus' birth and the journey that led up to it--all as seen through the eyes of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem.As is usual with Ms. Berger's books, the illustrations are stunning. I am haunted by the forget-me-nots that frame these pages. The story is also told in an original, moving way...one that will not soon be forgotten. I recommend "The Donkey's Dream" most highly. It would make a wonderful gift (especially at Christmas time) for any Christ-follower.
Rating:
Summary: unique nativity story
Review: Here the story of the birth of Jesus is presented from the viewpoint of the Donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem. Not knowing for sure what he is carrying that makes him feel so special, he imagines what he is carrying, based on the feelings that he is experiancing. The illustrations are akin to 'illuminations' from the Middle Ages, yet with a more simple, modern touch. The story is excellent for young children (my daughter is two) as the images are rich for discussion and the text is simple and to the point. This book is a good choice for someone wishing to introduce their child to the meaning behind Christmas. It doesn't go into depth, but it does express the touching awe of a donkey that knew he was carrying something very special, the heavens, on his back. I like this book because the illustrations are beautiful to look at, the story is appealing to children, there is a deeper symbolic meaning to the story that can unfold as your child grows, and also because good stories about the meaning of christmas, beyond Santa, reindeer and presents are hard to find.
Rating:
Summary: A Story For Everyone
Review: I decided to write this review because I love this book very much, I love this author/illustrator's beautiful work and I love this timeless mythological story. People say and rightfully so that this book tells the story of the night of Christ's birth. One of the reasons that I love this book is that it tells this familiar story that actually predates Christ by centuries without ever once using the well-known names of Bethlehem, Mary, Joseph or Jesus. You see, it is told from the perspective of the humble little donkey that carried the Mother who was pregnant with Her Son. A little donkey would know nothing of names, nothing of salvation, nothing of the doings of kings or priests or tax collectors. By telling the tale from this humble perspective no one is excluded from it's sweet and graceful message. I am a Pagan and at Winter Solstice or Yule I celebrate the Goddess's labor and delivery of her beautiful Son/Sun, the light,the sacrificial king who comes to renew the world, as the wheel of the year turns from it's dark half unto it's light half. The message of hope and life that the returning and growing rays of the sun promise to the sleeping earth fills my heart with gladness. I begin to anticipate spring and I renew my faith in the wisdom and love of the Earth's cycle.
The pictures in this book are exceedingly beautiful and tell the tale of the little donkey's dreams as he walks along. He doesn't know that he is carrying the hope of the world on his back, but he feels the magic in his dreams and thinks of a magnificent city glowing with promise, a huge rose glowing with softness and beauty, a fountain that waters the desert and brings the barren world to life with lush plants, and a sailing ship that carries him over the waters on his path. Like all good myths this story is timeless and transcultural. The symbols of one path speak the same language as others. The text is surrounded by lovely blue forget-me-nots on many pages and I think it is a gentle reminder to everyone to remember the inclusive message of the Winter Solstice and of Christmas that sees us all as one, bravely and faithfully facing the darkness together with hope in our spirits and love in our hearts. Ms. Berger uses a wonderful jewel-like blue color in many of the illustrations and it evokes a serene and peaceful feeling that adds to the overall message of the pictures. The Queen of Heaven is draped in the softly glowing folds of a starry sky and her little baby son gives off a gentle glow in her arms. The story is so gentle and humble. I love this book because it tells a story that belongs to the whole world and it doesn't make anyone feel left out.
Rating:
Summary: A Story For Everyone
Review: I decided to write this review because I love this book very much, I love this author/illustrator's beautiful work and I love this timeless mythological story. People say and rightfully so that this book tells the story of the night of Christ's birth. One of the reasons that I love this book is that it tells this familiar story that actually predates Christ by centuries without ever once using the well-known names of Bethlehem, Mary, Joseph or Jesus. You see, it is told from the perspective of the humble little donkey that carried the Mother who was pregnant with Her Son. A little donkey would know nothing of names, nothing of salvation, nothing of the doings of kings or priests or tax collectors. By telling the tale from this humble perspective no one is excluded from it's sweet and graceful message. I am a Pagan and at Winter Solstice or Yule I celebrate the Goddess's labor and delivery of her beautiful Son/Sun, the light,the sacrificial king who comes to renew the world, as the wheel of the year turns from it's dark half unto it's light half. The message of hope and life that the returning and growing rays of the sun promise to the sleeping earth fills my heart with gladness. I begin to anticipate spring and I renew my faith in the wisdom and love of the Earth's cycle.
The pictures in this book are exceedingly beautiful and tell the tale of the little donkey's dreams as he walks along. He doesn't know that he is carrying the hope of the world on his back, but he feels the magic in his dreams and thinks of a magnificent city glowing with promise, a huge rose glowing with softness and beauty, a fountain that waters the desert and brings the barren world to life with lush plants, and a sailing ship that carries him over the waters on his path. Like all good myths this story is timeless and transcultural. The symbols of one path speak the same language as others. The text is surrounded by lovely blue forget-me-nots on many pages and I think it is a gentle reminder to everyone to remember the inclusive message of the Winter Solstice and of Christmas that sees us all as one, bravely and faithfully facing the darkness together with hope in our spirits and love in our hearts. Ms. Berger uses a wonderful jewel-like blue color in many of the illustrations and it evokes a serene and peaceful feeling that adds to the overall message of the pictures. The Queen of Heaven is draped in the softly glowing folds of a starry sky and her little baby son gives off a gentle glow in her arms. The story is so gentle and humble. I love this book because it tells a story that belongs to the whole world and it doesn't make anyone feel left out.
Rating:
Summary: An Old Favorite
Review: My Godmother got me this book for christmas of 1985, and I still love to curl up on the couch on christmas and read it. It tell's a beautiful story with beautiful pictures to help tell the story. This is a great gift for the younger children.
Rating:
Summary: An Old Favorite
Review: My Godmother got me this book for christmas of 1985, and I still love to curl up on the couch on christmas and read it. It tell's a beautiful story with beautiful pictures to help tell the story. This is a great gift for the younger children.
Rating:
Summary: The Donkey's Dream
Review: The Donkey's Dream gives an unique veiw of the christmas story. One sees what the donkey carrying Mary must have been feeling. It promotes imagination and it has great pictures for younger children.
Rating:
Summary: The Donkey's Dream
Review: This is a beautifully written and illustrated children's story of the Nativity. Told from the point of view of the donkey that carried Mary ("a woman full of heaven") to Bethlehem - the gentleness and warmth of this book continues to touch me. It is a wonderful gift for expectant parents - especially during the holidays.
Rating:
Summary: The Glory of Christmas
Review: This is one of the most beautiful Christmas stories ever published. A simple story with all the symbolic images of Christ's birth. The perfect gift for any family for the true meaning of Christmas. A story to be cherished through the years.
Rating:
Summary: A poetic story of the Savior's birth
Review: What a beautiful story. It is very moving. I highly recommend it.
| 
