Nancy Willard Knihy

The Way of the Donkey is an entrancing book that will delight all ages. Learn all about donkeys, their incredible history, and how people are supported by and enjoying donkeys throughout the world today. Donkeys were first domesticated in Egypt 5,000 years B.C. They were the first animal used in service to humanity. Use of donkeys allowed for the establishment of trade routes. These trade routes brought people together and allowed civilization to flourish. In many parts of the world, donkeys remain a valuable service animal for families. Donkeys are also popular as family pets and more. Donkeys have fun doing donkey shows, pack burro racing, donkey trail riding, donkey trekking, donkey therapy, and even helping out at weddings. Donkeys have also played a role in every major religion as an animal that provides valuable service. Donkeys have traits that, when modeled, help people feel happy and empowered and respond effectively when things get tough. This is The Way of the Donkey. Donkeys connect with friends, reach out to be kind, build their strengths, and focus on the good. If things get tough, donkeys stop and stay calm, stand tall, and think things through.

A collection of poems describing the curious menagerie of guests and residents, human and animal, at William Blake's inn.

As a teacher of writing and a highly respected author of prose and poetry for both adults and children, Nancy Willard knows well the power of writing. In thirteen graceful essays she speaks of the realities of a writer's life and of the ever-present need to turn the reader into a believer. She speaks of the abiding spirits - the "angels" - that preside over the world around us and with which writers must reckon as they form their ideas about objects, actions, and human beings. Readers of these essays will be challenged to a new awareness - and inspired to use that awareness to create.