JoJo the Melon Donkey Author:Michael Morpurgo, Chris Molan (Illustrator) Jo-Jo, a donkey in 16th-Century Venice, is bullied by a cruel master and belittled by the elegant people who laugh at him as he stands beneath handsome golden horses. It is only when the Doge's daughter takes one of his melons and pats his head that the snobbish people will buy. The story combines aspects of The Ugly Duckling, Cinderella, and Th... more »e Little Hero of Harlem. First the little donkey, who so wishes for more than his humble station in life, is championed by the daughter of the Doge, and then he saves the people of Venice by braying loudly enough to warn them that the sea is coming in. The writing style follows that of the literary fairy tale, being at once simple and elegant. The illustrations fit the story perfectly. Vivid colors (mostly watercolors) follow the rich palette of Venetian painters of the era, with bright golds, reds, and greens that seem to reflect the strong light of the Mediterranean. The impressionistic style suggests an opera or ballet set. A pleasant addition to picture book collections for older children.« less