Ed Young: staying true to oneself

Donkey Trouble by Ed Young, Athenuem Books, 1995, ISBN 0-689-31854-5
PS: In this retelling of the traditional fable, a kind but simple man and his grandson, on their way to market with their donkey, find it impossible to please everyone they meet.

One teacher uses a flannel board to teach this, as the characters change places many times during the story. REarranging them shows how difficult it is to work this situation out.

There are 2 other versions of this story:
Old Man Whickutt's Donkey by Mary Calhoun, illustrated by Tomie dePaola. In this retelling of LaFontaine's fable, a man, a boy and a donkey, enroute to the miller with a sack of corn, are criticied by their neighbors no matter who walks and who rides.

The Miller, His Son, and Their Donkey, attributed to Aesop, several versions available on Amazon.

Thanks to Marcia Dressel who provided this information on LM-NET.

Hook by Ed Young, Roaring Brook Press, 2009, ISBN 1-59643-363-9
A book of few words and beautiful illustrations. A meaningful story of a baby eagle and how he "was not meant for earth", but rather, meant to soar high in the sky.

Both of these books can be used to teach the idea of "staying true to oneself". Everyone has a gift and a purpose on earth.
Ed Young is one of my favorite illustrators. Here's a list of his books.