cover image Hotey

Hotey

Josephine Bailey, illus. by Zach Franzen. AuthorHouse (www.authorhouse.com), $22.50 (152p) ISBN 978-1-4634-2390-2

This peripatetic first novel from audiobook narrator Bailey centers on a young donkey who earns the groan-worthy nickname of %E2%80%9CDonkey Hotey.%E2%80%9D Though eager to explore his world, Hotey heeds his mother%E2%80%99s cautionary advice (%E2%80%9Ca wise donkey learns to walk before he tries to run%E2%80%9D), until one day he strays from his herd to follow a pack of wild mustangs. He and the horses are captured by cattle herders and taken to their camp, where Michael, a kind cook, cares for Hotey. The donkey bonds with Michael%E2%80%99s feisty pet parrot, Sancho, and his wise old mule, Charlie, eventually joining them as well as Michael on a journey during which Hotey emerges a hero. His moments of triumph include aiding in a mining disaster rescue and saving sheep from a mountain lion. Hotey%E2%80%99s voyage of self-discovery and loss (Charlie dies early on, and he%E2%80%99s not the last to do so) is encumbered by considerable melodrama and platitude, yet Bailey creates a number of heart-tugging scenes, as well as some thoughtful ruminations on friendship. Franzen contributes handsome b&w spot art images of Hotey%E2%80%99s adventures. Ages 6%E2%80%9312.