Description
Baldomera the Little Donkey
Book Summary
This picture book, written in Basque, tells the moving true story of Baldomera the little donkey, who went viral after reuniting with her owner following the COVID-19 lockdown. Through tender illustrations, young readers will discover the unbreakable bond between an animal and its caregiver, as well as the emotion of a wait that lasted three long months. A work that celebrates love, loyalty, and the joy of being reunited.
What is it about?
Inspired by a true event that moved millions of people, the book tells the story of Baldomera, a little donkey who could not see her owner during the lockdown caused by the pandemic. For three months, distance and loneliness marked her days, until they were finally able to reunite. The emotional moment, captured in a video that went viral, shows Baldomera bursting into tears upon seeing her master. The work recreates this experience with a child-friendly sensitivity, highlighting the strength of affective bonds and overcoming separation.
Main themes
- Love and loyalty between animals and humans
- The experience of lockdown and forced separation
- The joy of reunion and the expression of emotions
- True stories that inspire and connect on a global level
- The value of waiting and patience in difficult times
Who is it recommended for?
This book is especially recommended for children from the age of 3, as well as for families and educators looking for a real, emotional, and relatable story to address topics such as separation, nostalgia, and reunion. It is also ideal for Basque readers who want to enjoy a high-quality picture book based on a viral phenomenon with great emotional impact.
What this book offers
- A true story that helps children process complex emotions such as sadness and intense joy.
- An example of resilience and the affective bond between an animal and its caregiver.
- Illustrations that reinforce the narrative and facilitate emotional understanding of the story.
- An opportunity for family conversation about the experience of the lockdown from a hopeful perspective.
Technical specifications
- Author: Ballesteros, Enrique G; Arias, Ismael F.
- Publisher: NubeOcho
- Language: Basque
- Topic: ILLUSTRATED BOOKS, ACTIVITY BOOKS AND SUBJECTS, PICTURE BOOKS
- Collection: SOMOS8
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: September 2020
- Number of pages: 40
- Weight: 152 g
Editorial review
Baldomera astotxoa stands out for its ability to transform a viral and emotional event into an accessible narrative tool for little ones. The strength of the true story, combined with the picture book format and the Basque language edition, make it a unique title within the SOMOS8 collection. Its sensitive and direct approach makes it especially useful for working on emotional education at an early age, as well as for connecting with readers looking for stories based on experiences shared during the pandemic.