Hans Limmer (text), Lennart Osbeck (photos), My Donkey Benjamin, Scribble, 28 Nov 2016, 48pp., $ 24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925321234
Hans Limmer (text), David Crossley (photos), My Pig Paulina, Scribble, 28 Nov 2016, 48pp., $ 24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781925321241
First published in German in 1968 and 1970 respectively, these picture books were written by the much-loved Hans Limmer who died in 2015. They have recently been published here by Scribble,
the imaginatively named imprint for Scribe’s children’s list.
The first title follows the adventures of two-year-old Susi and the newborn donkey she and her father find. At first they play around the house – situated on the Greek island of Rhodes – but when they venture further afield they become lost until Benjamin takes them safely home. The second title features Susi’s little sister Angelica, who finds a walking, talking sack that turns out to be a tiny piglet. Like Benjamin, Paulina allows herself to be dressed up and played with like a real friend.
Both books are illustrated with large black and white photographs that capture the children’s fun with a delightful informality. The girls narrate their stories and the text of both books is set in a large sans serif type in short lines, ideal for young readers. Standby for requests for pet donkeys and piglets. Suitable for ages 5-7.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Douglas
