Book details
Maureen Daly - Author
This historical adventure centres on Chico’s friendship with a donkey amid wartime animal transport. The story also brings together people of different ages and nationalities.
Twelve-year-old Chico Filippo, whose own donkeys were confiscated years before by the German army, can't stay away from the newly set up American Remount Depot. Here, in the last months of World War II in Italy, thousands of supply mules and donkeys are processed and sent on to the fierce mountain fighting in the Apennines. One of the handlers introduces Chico to a small courageous animal the boy names Sergeant Donkey. Drawn into friendship and then into unexpected danger, Chico must demonstrate his own simple courage.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The premise presents courage as something Chico needs to show when friendship brings him into danger.
Talk about: What might count as courage for Chico in this situation?
Chico’s own donkeys were taken by the German army before the story’s events. His renewed connection with donkeys may give the animal friendship particular significance.
The setting includes animals being sent towards fierce mountain fighting, and Chico is drawn into unexpected danger. War and peril are part of the premise.
If Chico’s earlier loss of his donkeys matters to him now, how might that shape the way he approaches Sergeant Donkey?
A read-along could pause at the shift from friendship to danger, giving space to talk about what courage might mean for Chico without assuming how the events resolve.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
The Small War of Sergeant Donkey - Maureen Daly - Google Books
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: Courage in danger
The small war of Sergeant Donkey by Maureen Daly | Open Library
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: Courage in danger
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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