Creech, Sharon.
SAVING WINSLOW
New York : Joanna Cotler Books, 2018
IL 3-6
ISBN 9780062570703

(2 booktalks)

Booktalk #1

Louie liked animals and was always trying to keep them as pets, however, they all seemed to die or escape. When Louie’s father brings home a baby donkey, his parents think it’ll only last a day or two but his father felt sorry for the poor thing. Louie immediately “accepts the mission” to keep the baby alive. Since their house is old and drafty, Louie decided to stay in the basement with the donkey he’s named Winslow. A new girl down the street stops to see the donkey, but doesn’t want to get attached. She’s had her own loss and is hesitant to love again. Winslow’s charm slowly wins her over and the two children care for Winslow together. Will Winslow beat the odds and survive without his mother? Will Louie be able to nurse the “poor thing” to health? All animal lovers will delight in Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech. (Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award 2019-2020)

Booktalk #2

Louie doesn’t know anything about donkeys but his dad just brought home a sickly, newborn mini donkey. Louie is determined to save the little guy, so he names him Winslow and begins to care for him. There is so much to do and so many questions. Louie wonders how long can a donkey live in your house? Can a donkey wear diapers? Why is Winslow so loud? What happens if the neighbors complain about the noise? Louie isn’t sure about the answers to his questions but he knows Winslow loves him. So, with help of his family and a new friend, Louie is going to do his best to protect Winslow. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award nominee, 2020)