The Donkey's Dream
By Barbara Helen Berger
The Story
An ordinary donkey carries the Virgin Mary across the desert to Bethlehem, dreaming along the way that he bears a city, a ship, a fountain, a rose — and a lady full of heaven.
Why It's Special
For families who mark the Nativity each year, this is a hushed, dreamlike way to sit with that story again through fresh eyes.
- Big idea: Something quietly holy can be carried by the humblest and most ordinary among us.
- Vibes: Hushed, reverent, dreamlike, luminous.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy quiet, reflective bedtime stories
- are drawn to stories about the Nativity
- respond well to lyrical, poetic language
- love looking closely at glowing, detailed artwork
Ask Your Little Reader
- Imagination: What do you think the donkey dreamed about first — the city, the ship, the fountain, or the rose?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think the donkey felt carrying someone so special on his back?
- Story & meaning: Why do you think the donkey dreamed he was carrying a lady full of heaven?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever felt like you were doing something small that turned out to be really important?
- Imagination: If you were the donkey, what might you have dreamed about on that long walk to Bethlehem?
