Jane Monroe Donovan

Picture-book author/artist Jane Monroe Donovan, whose Winter's Gift was such a poignant, magical tale, returns with this second Christmas story, this time told almost exclusively through the illustrations. A young girl writes a letter to Santa - the only text in the book - asking for a friend, and wakes up Christmas morning to find a cat, dog and miniature pony waiting for her under the tree. Together, girl and animals have fun in the snow: sledding, making snow angels, building snowmen (and snow animals) and having snowball fights. When they return home, they enjoy the cozy comforts of a warm house...

According to the author's note at the end of the book, complete with photographs, Small, Medium & Large was inspired by a real-life cat, dog and miniature horse that Donovan had as animal companions over the years. That knowledge certainly made the story more meaningful, and although there were moments where I had to struggle a bit to suspend my disbelief - would a dog, cat and horse all fit on the girl's bed? Does one really sleep with a horse, even a miniature one?! - I still enjoyed the book. The illustrations are just lovely, and really make the story come alive. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for somewhat unusual Christmas stories and/or wordless narratives.… (mer)

An old man faces his first Christmas without his wife of many years in this poignant, ultimately hopeful picture-book from author/illustrator Jane Monroe Donovan. Going about his chores on Christmas Eve, the man recalls Christmases past, when he and his wife would seek out the perfect tree, bring it home, and decorate it together. The star they put on top always symbolized hope, but this year the man was sunk into loneliness, and had no hope. Then a pregnant mare, separated from her herd and lost in the snowy woods, found her way to him, and in helping this lost soul, the man found what he needed again...

A title I stumbled across by accident, Winter's Gift drew me in with its gorgeous cover, and I picked it up, unaware that it was a Christmas story, rather than just a wintry tale. I'm not sorry to have discovered it however, as I found the story moving and the artwork absolutely beautiful. It is not so common to see the experiences of the elderly in books for young children, so I am always happy to encounter a story which presents their lives in a humane and relatable way, one that builds empathy and fellow-feeling in the young. This was my first book from Donovan, but I certainly hope it will not be my last! Recommended to picture-book readers looking for touching stories featuring grief and healing, Christmas, the elderly, and/or lost animals in need of hope.… (mer)

Beautifully illustrated, with a story that touches emotions of sincere empathy and then joy!

A grieving elderly man, A Christmas Eve snow storm, a horse lost as the snow pelts her coat and makes it very difficult tot continue to walk! What a wonderful compilation coming together helping each other! While this horse is not a pet, she does what animals do best, they bring joy and hope.

When the snow increases, the grieving man remembers that one year ago on Christmas Eve, his wife was there as together they placed the star on the tree. Now, he is sad and simply trying to get through the night. As he walks outside, he thinks he hears something. Turning back while walking toward his house, he discovers a horse on the ground.

Gently, he helps her walk into the warm, cosy barn. As he feeds her and makes sure she is comfortable, he falls asleep on a bale of hay. Awaking in the morning, he hears a lovely sound and sees a baby horse. Watching the mother tend to her baby, he notes that in the center of the head is a perfect star!

Yes, this is soapy and over the top, but it is just what is needed during these times of level four hurricane gales bashing into Texas and New Orleans, LA, a pandemic that increases, two political conventions with vast differences regarding how to run this troubled nation, and again, yet one more shooting of a black man, this one seven bullets in the back!

I will escape into the lovely illustrated books I've collected.… (mer)