Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey
by Robert Byrd
Dutton Children's Books 2000
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.4 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
Themes include stewardship of nature
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Genre
Themes
- compassion
- kindness to animals
- faith
- humility
- purpose and value
- generosity
- Christmas
- stewardship of nature
About this book
This beautifully illustrated picture book follows Saint Francis of Assisi as he befriends a small, discouraged donkey and prepares the first Christmas crèche. Through gentle storytelling, the donkey discovers that even the smallest creatures have important gifts to share. The lyrical text and detailed art introduce children to Francis’s love of animals and care for the poor. Perfect for family read‑alouds during the holidays and for young animal lovers year‑round.
Setting: medieval Italy (Assisi and Greccio)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey. The reading level is AR 4.4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include compassion, kindness to animals, faith.
How long does it take to read Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey takes around 8m to finish. The book has 1,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey have an AR quiz?
Yes — Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey?
Saint Francis and the Christmas donkey has an AR reading level of 4.4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.