The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey by Hannah E. Harrison & published by ZonderKidz

ISBN: 9780310163992 ~ Hardcover $19.99 USD ~ ZonderKidz ~ Ages 4+

My thoughts:  I thought The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep was good, but The  Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is exceptionally good. A sweet story about a kind farmer who rescues a little donkey from a harsh taskmaster is beautifully illustrated in gentle story-telling art that is a comfort to view. The story is sweet and the Biblical application is superb!

Parents can gently teach their young children about the perils of a life of sin (a wicked taskmaster) and the redemptive deeds of a loving God (pictured as the Good Farmer). They can see the care and love that the farmer pours into this little donkey. They can see how the patience, care, understanding, and unburdening actions of the loving farmer are a nice picture of our loving God.

I highly recommend this sweet book. Perhaps you'll enjoy both of these books for your child's library. Also, if you loved The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep, you'll love this new one about the Worried Donkey, too!

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About the book: The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is an honest and heartwarming picture book that reminds us that we are not alone and God is our strength. This story beautifully captures the essence of Matthew 11 (“his yoke is easy and his burden is light”) and the parable of the sower.

Charlie is a small donkey who works for the miller, but he’s not the strongest and he sometimes makes the miller mad. When a farmer comes and takes Charlie to a beautiful farm, Charlie worries that if he disappoints the farmer, the farmer will no longer want him. But Charlie is in for a surprise, because his farmer is a Good Farmer who is patient, wise, understanding, and strong. Through both touching and humorous moments, Charlie learns about his special place on the farm and why he can trust the Good Farmer with his worries.

The Bible is full of references to seeds, wheat, and farming, but what do those stories tell us about the attributes of God? Or how can we learn to rely on God? In a time when anxiety rates among children are on the rise, The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey uses a relatable character and a riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate how we can cast our cares on God.

From Hannah Harrison, the author and illustrator of the Christlit Book Award-winning and ECPA best-selling The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep, The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey is perfect for:

• children ages 4 and up
• family devotions and bedtime reading
• discussions about what it means to have a burden and a yoke, the meaning of the parable of the sower, and the importance of casting your cares on God
• Sunday school lessons and church libraries
• fall and harvest celebrations and gift-giving occasions

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hannah E. Harrison is the author and illustrator of seven picture books, including The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep, a 2025 Christlit Book Award-winner, The Gospel Coalition Children’s Book Award-winner, and Christianity Today’s picture book of the year; Extraordinary Jane, named a Kirkus Best Animal Book of the year; Bear Is Awake!, an Amazon Editors’ Pick; My Friend Maggie, winner of the Bill Martin Jr. Award; and Poopsie Gets Lost, which earned the Redbud Read-Aloud Award. Her books have also received numerous starred reviews and have been selected for book clubs. Hannah is originally from New Hampshire, but now lives in Oklahoma with her big-hearted husband and two delightful daughters.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.