Originally published in 1968, Mein Esel Benjamin is considered a modern classic of German children's literature, and has been on my to-be-read shelf for quite some time. Although it was translated into English back in 1969 (My Donkey Benjamin), the translation has long been out-of-print, and is very difficult to obtain. Thankfully, the friend who first recommended the book to me also came through with a copy in the original German - thank you, Gundula!

A charming story, narrated by little Susi, is paired with adorable black-and-white photographs in this picture-book, setting out the tale of a little girl, living with her family on an island in the Mediterranean, who finds and adopts an abandoned baby donkey. Benjamin is a winsome creature (as is his little girl!), with soft fur, gentle eyes, and a velvet nose. He also sometimes experiences a little wanderlust, leading to an early morning adventure for himself, and for Susi!

There is an innocence to this book, which depicts a young girl in a safe world - a girl who is free to wander through the alleyways of her village, and out to a distant beach - that is immensely appealing to me. The photographs show a sun-drenched world that makes me long for places I have never seen. It is easy to see why this has become such a perennial favorite with young Germans! A beautiful island world? Check! A charming narrator who is young, like themselves? Check! An adorable animal friend? Check! What's not to love? ( )

This was one of my favourite picture books when I was a child. The story of Susi and the little donkey her family adopts is timeless, and it is still a perennial favourite with German children (I know that my nieces loved it). Having been born in Germany, I only know the German version, but there is an English translation of this wonderful picture book as well, My Donkey Benjamin (unfortunately, it seems to be rather rare). ( )