Teachers & Families
Free resources for story time in the classroom, the library, and at home.
Free Family Conversation Guide
A short, printable guide that helps grown-ups talk with kids about the story and the virtue at its heart. For Book 1, that's friendship: seven very different Donks stick together, and there's always room for one more friend.
Works for classrooms and kitchen tables alike. Every guide has the same simple parts:
- Feelings questionsHow did the story make you feel?
- Connection questionsWhen have you felt like this Donk?
- Choice questionsWhat would you do in this Donk's place?
- Family or class activityOne simple way to practice the virtue this week.
A taste of the Book 1 guide
- How did you feel on the dark path, before Dusty said, “Oh, don't be scared”?
- Which Donk are you most like? Why?
- Michelle invited Dusty in. What would you do if you met someone new who looked a little scary?
- Each Donk helped in a different way: Cloppy's trip, Noey's swing, Blue's kick. How could you help a friend this week?
Activity: Room for one more
This week, invite someone new to join in: a game at recess, a seat at lunch, a call to a relative. Then draw a Donk for each new friend and add it to your own pack picture.
The Second Map activity
Psst! There's a second map in the book, and it leads to 13 hidden treasures tucked into the pictures. The Second Map page at the back has a clue and a checkbox for each one.
- Treasure hunt read: after the first read-aloud, go back through the book together and let kids hunt for the treasures.
- Pairs or tables: give each group a few clues to solve, then share what they found.
- Make your own map: kids draw a map to a treasure in the classroom or at home, with rhyming clues like the Donks' map.
- Lucky 13: found all 13? Talk about how 13 is called unlucky, and why we shouldn't judge anything (or anyone) by its reputation.
Read-aloud tips
Find the bounce
The story is written in a steady, singsong rhythm. Read it a little slower than feels natural, and let the rhymes land. Kids will start finishing the lines for you.
Pause for predictions
Stop at the dark path and again at the hidden stair, and ask, “What do you think will happen next?”
Make the sounds
Go big on the BRAAAAY, the thunderous BOOM, and the WHOOSH of wind. Invite everyone to join in.
Count the Donks
Count six Donks at the start, then count again when Dusty joins. Six friends become seven!
Coloring pages
Color the Donks, the secret map, and the Gates of Donk.
Download coloring pages (PDF) coming soonWant a taste first? Read along with the first few pages on the Book 1 page.
Copies for your class or library
Schools and libraries can order through Ingram at standard wholesale, or ask any bookstore to order by ISBN 979-8-9823768-0-0.
Bulk ordering detailsSchool visits & readings
Interested in a visit or a virtual read-aloud? Email hello@babydonk.com.