Two unlikely heroes rescue hundreds of men wounded in war in a poignant picture book based on a true tale of World War I.
When Jack Simpson was a boy in England, he loved leading donkeys along the beach for a penny a ride. So when he enlists as a stretcher bearer in World War I, his gentle way with those animals soon leads him to his calling. Braving bullets and bombs on the battlefields of Gallipoli, Jack brings a donkey to the aid of 300 Allied soldiers — earning both man and donkey a beloved spot in legend. This engaging nonfiction tale includes a map and brief bios of key characters.
Back matter includes further information.
[Lessac’s] stylized, richly hued gouache paintings, depict…uniformed human figures, wounded or just weary, carrying themselves with quiet dignity.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
