CMIS Evaluation Primary Focus

The story Simpson and his Donkey is an iconic Australian Gallipoli Legend.

Two new captivating titles will be highly useful for ANZAC Day commemorative studies this year.

 They are: Jackie French’s The donkey who carried the wounded and Mark Wilson’s My mother’s eyes : the story of a boy soldier.  Both stories centre on world War I – one at Gallipoli and the other on the battlefields of France.

Jackie French is well known for her ability to add detail and little colourful extras to enhance tales of historical nature. This book is no exception. In this well researched tale, the author takes us beyond the time of Simpson’s death to follow what may have happened to the donkey after his master was shot and killed.  The book introduces us to Richard Henderson, the New Zealander who is reported to have carried on Simpson’s work after he was killed.

Mark Wilson’s evocatively illustrated story tells a poignant tale of a young Australian farm boy lured to the Great War adventure who puts up his age to enlist in the AIF. As the story unfolds, readers are exposed to the true horror of the war as this young boy is forced to grow up a long way from home. The blend of narrative and letters make this a very readable volume. Teacher’s notes are available.

In time for ANZAC day these delightful stories will make a very worthwhile addition to the school library collection and give new scope for the well trodden ANZAC Day path. Both stories could be well used in Middle Childhood and Early Adolesence classrooms.

For other ANZAC Day information visit the CMIS ANZAC theme pages.

Simpson and his donkey by Mark Greenwood and Frane Lessac.

In his new picture book, Simpson and his donkey, Western Australian author Mark Greenwood has fleshed out this popular ANZAC story with interesting details about the life journey of Simpson, from his childhood in England to Australia and Gallipoli, and his connection with the donkey.

Finely detailed, full-page illustrations by Frane Lessac, painted in her characteristic naive style, create a captivating backdrop for the story.

Some facts about Simpson and the Gallipoli campaign conclude the book and extend the ANZAC experience for students.

Teachers notes are available from the Walker Books Australia and New Zealand website.

For more ANZAC resources visit the CMIS ANZAC Theme page and find resource lists, classroom ideas, teaching ideas and a variety of topics pertaining to ANZAC Day.