The heroic story of one man and a donkey - and the strange twist of fate that brought two boyhood friends together one last time during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I.
A poignant account of the story of John Kirkpatrick Simpson and how he and his donkey, Duffy, rescued over 300 men during the campaign at Gallipoli. Backed by detailed research, the text includes a brief biography of the man, details of his work at Gallipoli and also the little known story of how, without realising, he rescued his childhood friend from South Shields, Billy Lowes. The text also includes fact files on Simpson and Billy Lowes, maps and additional historical background information such as how Duffy received a VC.
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Simpson and his Donkey was Honour Book in 2009 for the Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, Children’s Book Council of Australia and was short-listed for the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award, 2008
- Superbly researched book gives new life to one of the stories that helped to build Australia as a nation
- Aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the ANZAC tradition, the Gallipoli campaign, and an appreciation of the supreme sacrifice made by those who serve their nation.
About The Author
Mark is a musician and award-winning children’s author. His books aim to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of Australian myths and legends. Mark enjoys working with students of all ages, inspiring and developing their natural curiosity about books and writing. He has twice won the Western Australian Premier’s Award for children’s books and Simpson and His Donkey was Honour Book in 2009 at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards. He is married to Frané Lessac and they live with their two children in Western Australia.
About The Illustrator
Frané is originally from New Jersey and is an artist of international renown having exhibited in London, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and the Caribbean. Residing in Western Australia, Lessac now has over 30 children's books published throughout the world. Her work has won Australian and international awards and has been translated into numerous languages. In 2010 she was awarded the Muriel Barwell Award for Distinguished Service to Children's literature.
Industry Reviews
The creative strengths of Mark Greenwood and Frane Lessac combine here to produce an engaging work of narrative nonfiction in which the bare bones of biography are imbued with just the right touch of the imaginative to engage young readers ... this picture book is both timely and relevant and moreover brings life, substance and an unexpected by-line to a familiar story. * Magpies Magazine *
Simpson and his Donkey (Mark Greenwood & Frane Lessac) is perhaps the finest piece of Australian literature published into April 2008. Conveyed in language, tone and colour appropriate for all readers ... In legend and legacy, Simpson and his Donkey shines with spirit... * Bendigo Weekly *
In folk-art style, the paintings, with shades that reflect the heat of a sandy landscape, show the heroic soldier and the gentle animal amid the slaughter of the war. * Booklist *
Frane Lessac's palette...complements this deftly condensed story of extraordinary heroism. * The Sunday Age *
... the story here is told simply and dramatically and is made even more so by the naive paintings that depict the action. * Reading Time *
This is an important story beautifully represented in a form suitable for educational use and also private reading. * www.aussiereviews.com *
Moving true story of compassion, courage and friendship. * Foreword Magazine USA *
This immortal story has been brought to life again through Greenwood's ability to tell a great tale, and make it sound fresh and new. Lessac's insightful illustrations fit like a glove around Greenwood's words. * Buzz Words *
