Little Donkey

A Frogmorton Farm Short Story

By: Jodi Taylor

Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis

A Frogmorton Farm short story. Catch up with the characters from Jodi Taylor's bestselling novel, The Nothing Girl, as they navigate the complexities of the local nativity play in their own, unique fashion.

It's Christmas and Jenny Checkland is beset with problems.

The Vicar, who really should know better, has asked to borrow Marilyn the donkey for the nativity play thereby unleashing chaos on the already chaos-laden Frogmorton Farm.

Will Marilyn survive her bath? Will anyone survive Marilyn's bath?

Robbed of her role as the Virgin Mary, what revenge is the Angel Gabriel plotting?

Why is that sheep so fat?

Will Charlie ever get to say his one line?

Can Marilyn be prevented from eating the Baby Jesus?

Where is Thomas, who promised he would be there?

And worst of all - will Russell, lost on the moor in a blizzard, make it back in time for the birth of his first child? Or even at all?

©2014 Jodi Taylor (P)2014 Audible, Ltd

Poor Jesus. Not the star of the show, AGAIN.

Would you consider the audio edition of Little Donkey to be better than the print version?

I haven't read this piece on paper, but the narrator nimbly works her way through the story in such a way that it is an endearing invitation to the listener to lean in, queue up and grab a seat in the pews waiting for this donkey's Christmas Pageant debut. I don't imagine I'd have the same participation factor without her welcoming voice, but I might. I listened during a bright sunny day, but was still able to appreciate the cold snowy environs of the tale.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jenny, because we have access to all her thoughts and so get the backstory - which is important since her imaginary horse plays a key role in the miraculous rescue. Second favorite is Marilyn, personified to such a skillful level that I'm sure I've met her a number of times in my life. Third, well. The fat sheep, of course. You knew she couldn't just be fat.

Have you listened to any of Lucy Price-Lewis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Haven't, but will seek her out now. . . .

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"If you've pondered what a CALL THE MIDWIFE meets JAMES HERRIOTT mixup would look like, then this is the Christmas pageant for you!"

Any additional comments?

Altogether sweet, really. Just when I thought I'd make it through without misting up, I did. Always a seal of approval.

A Lovely Return

If you could sum up Little Donkey in three words, what would they be?

Jodi Taylor really shines in short stories that build on her novels. Little Donkey is a perfect example of this. Since it was already out when I listened to the novel, this was a nice balm after the disappointment of finishing a book that you don't want to end.

What about Lucy Price-Lewis’s performance did you like?

Lucy Price-Lewis was perfectly cast for this. Her performance was excellent.

Great short story!

Read “The Nothing Girl” first. This book contains spoilers to that book. Same narrator, same excellent performance.

It really is about getting Marlyn ready for the Christmas nativity....which is hysterical!

Not too long, not too dramatic, and like Goldilocks, the elements were juuuuuuust right.

I laughed and cried all within a 2 minute span...

This is the best short story I've ever heard. It's a must listen for its heartfelt humor throughout and reunion of the promised magical golden horse and worrisome pregnancy and possible losses. So much packed artfully into this short story.

Super Sweet Short!

Enjoyed this sweet short story about the "Nothing Girl" family & friends! I'm attached this quirky group and hope Ms. Taylor continues their story.