Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gentle, moving story about loving bravely despite risk.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Louie, 10, has a lousy track record of caring for animals before he takes on the mission of SAVING WINSLOW. No one expects the fragile newborn donkey to survive except Louie, who carefully tends to Winslow day and night. Caring for Winslow helps ease his heartache over his beloved brother, who's away in the Army. Louie develops a close bond with Winslow as the donkey grows stronger. His new friend, Nora, is drawn to Winslow as well but worries he'll die, just like her premature baby brother and her dog.
Is It Any Good?
Sharon Creech is a master at delivering emotionally rich prose in deceptively slight packages, and is at her best in this touching story of a boy who gives everything he's got to help a baby donkey. Saving Winslow unfolds through small, meaningful moments: coaxing Winslow to take a bottle, struggling to give him shots, dealing with a neighbor exasperated by the braying. The modest ways Louie's family tries to fill the absence left by his brother, Gus, are especially sweet.
Newbery medalist Creech (Moo) writes in spare but vivid prose, drawing clear lines to connect themes and layers of meaning. Lovely writing, a charming story, appealing characters, and short chapters make it a winning read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why so many people think caution against trying to help the frail donkey in Saving Winslow, warning Louie he'll probably be sad. Do you try to avoid things that make you feel sad? Is feeling sad always a bad thing?
Do you think you're an optimist or a pessimist? What experiences might have shaped your outlook?
Is being realistic the same as being pessimistic?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Animals
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : September 11, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 176
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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