Simpson's Donkey

A compelling story of the history of the Great War, told for upper primary readers. Beautifully drawn illustrations bring the characters, time and place to life.

Based on the most famous animal in Australian history, Simpon’s Donkey tells the story of the donkey’s service in Gallipoli where for three weeks he helped Simpson carry wounded men down to Anzac Cove. Author Peter Stanley tells his story—in the donkey’s own voice—taking the reader on a journey from the Aegean island of Lemnos to Gallipoli to Egypt, Palestine and then back to Gallipoli at the end of the Great War. From beast of burden to hospital pet, to desert supply carrier, the donkey’s story is an adventurous journey on which he meets courage and cruelty, and comradeship.