Happy Times

Abstract

This first-grade reader includes one fable, The Donkey and the Dog (187). This version of the story has some unusual features. A bee talked with the dispirited donkey. Getting into the house was a big part of the donkey's motivation, and he had a first encounter with the man outside that gave him hope that he now might enter. The man handled the situation unusually politically correctly. You are not like the dog, but you are a very good donkey.... I wish the dog could work... I could not do my work if you did not help me. I like to have you work with me. The donkey went away feeling good and wanting to work for his friend, the man. This version of the story goes on without a crisis in which the man needed to call for help. There is a little game (quiz) on 196. The cover of this book bothers me. It shows several children playing, two in monkey and mouse suits and another in a dog costume. I could swear I have this picture in or on one of my other books, but I cannot find it.