DAISY

The idyllic life of a sweet-natured donkey.

You might also call her a mule (but you’d be wrong) or a burro, but “the name she likes the best is Daisy.” She got this name because just after her birth, the first time she lifted her head she saw a field of daisies. The donkey has a noble cultural history, from the birth of the baby Jesus to “The Musicians of Bremen” to Don Quixote. On the farm, Daisy works hard and is everyone’s friend. Even the normally standoffish cat purrs loudly when she lies on Daisy’s back. As part of the family, Daisy works hard on the farm, bringing in firewood, playing with the children, and taking them on walks. The years go happily by. As Daisy ages, she grows gradually weaker, deafer, and less agile. One rainy afternoon, a beautiful pony named Dazzle arrives at the farm, young and full of life. Daisy looks on, forgotten by everyone, as the animals flock around their new protector. But when Dazzle knocks over the drinking trough, it’s Daisy who organizes them to set it right and save the water. Gil’s bucolic story (via Brokenbrow’s translation) is generous with text and has many lovely episodes if not a dynamic plot. Álvarez’s vivid illustrations are both beautiful and evocative.

A lovely affirmation that there is value in wisdom as well as in vigor.