Published: 2018
Author: Sharon Creech
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Animal Stories, Children’s Chapter Book
Audience: Grades 3–5
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: Saving Winslow
Content Warnings: Themes of illness, animal peril, and the death of past pets; mentions of a sibling in the military.
Publisher’s Summary
Louie doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to keeping small creatures alive. So, when his father brings home a sickly, rejected newborn mini donkey, everyone—including Louie’s cynical new friend Nora—expects the worst. But Louie is determined to save the fragile animal he names Winslow.
As Louie nurses Winslow back to health, the donkey becomes a surrogate for his older brother, Gus, who is far away serving in the army. Through the ups and downs of Winslow’s recovery, Louie learns about the strength of the vulnerable, the pain of missing someone, and the courage it takes to keep caring even when things are uncertain.
Full Review
Fans of Charlotte’s Web or Because of Winn-Dixie will find a lot to love in this heartwarming story. Sharon Creech has a gift for packing big emotions into simple, understated prose. The book uses short chapters that make it very accessible for young readers, though the beginning can be a bit tricky. The story introduces several characters quickly and jumps between the present day and memories of Louie’s brother, Gus.
Once you get past the initial jumpiness of the timeline, the plot settles into a beautiful rhythm. Having grown up on a farm, I found it easy to relate to Louie’s dedication to Winslow. The donkey isn’t just a pet; he’s a form of therapy. By “saving” Winslow, Louie is finding a way to fill the hole in his heart left by his brother’s absence. It’s a story anyone can relate to—whether you’ve missed a family member or worried over a pet. In the end, it’s an uplifting tale about how helping something small can help us find our own strength.
🩺 Nursing a Newborn: The Care of a Mini Donkey
In the story, Winslow is a “sickly” newborn who needs constant care to survive. This mirrors the real-world challenges of animal husbandry.
Why Winslow is Vulnerable
- Rejection: In the wild or on farms, mothers sometimes reject the “runt” or a sickly foal, leaving them without the vital colostrum (first milk) needed for an immune system.
- Temperature Regulation: Newborn donkeys are very susceptible to cold and need to be kept warm and dry.
- Feeding Schedule: Much like a human baby, a rejected foal needs to be bottle-fed every few hours to gain strength.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
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ELA (Short Chapter Analysis): Use the book to teach about Pacing.
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Activity Idea: Look at the first three chapters. List the characters as they appear. Discuss why the author might have introduced them so fast. How does the fast pace reflect Louie’s “anxious” state of mind?
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Science (Life Cycles & Animal Needs): Discuss what mammals need to survive in their first days of life.
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Activity Idea: Research the difference between a “Miniature Donkey” and a standard donkey. What are their specific needs? Why do they make good companion animals?
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Social Studies (Military Families): Discuss the experience of having a family member “deployed.”
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Activity Idea: Write a “letter” from Louie to Gus (or vice-versa). What things about Winslow would Louie want Gus to know? How does keeping a pet help a “waiting” family?
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SEL (Resilience and “The Runt”): > Activity Idea: Discuss the quote “celebrating the unexpected strength of the vulnerable.” Why do we often root for the “underdog” (or under-donkey)? Have students share a time they felt small but showed they were strong.
