Book Review: I Yam a Donkey by Cece Bell

I Yam a Donkey! is a picturebook by Cece Bell that will make English teachers and grammar fans smile and laugh along side young readers. Reminiscent of the classic Who's on First routine readers met a donkey that proudly proclaims “I yam a donkey!” A yam hears the announcement, and since he is very particular about sloppy pronunciation and poor grammar he begins trying to explain the mistake. An escalating series of misunderstandings leaves the yam furious and the clueless donkey bewildered by the yam’s growing (and amusing) frustration. The yam finally gets his point across, but regrettably, he’s made the situation a little bit too clear.

I Yam a Donkey! is a fun, and highly entertaining book for all ages. While it could easily be used to help explain some grammar and pronunciation it is also full of bright and energetic illustrations that will capture the eye and make everyone smile. The yam gets angrier and more erratic with his arguments as the confrontation continues. I love that a crowd of vegetables come to watch the argument, and end up meeting the same fate as the grammar obsessed yam. 

I Yam a Donkey! is highly entertaining. While the heart of the book is grammar and pronunciation awareness, it is also fun and has a twist(ed) ending to the tale. When I saw this book come across my desk I just had to stop and read it, and I know of several school teachers, librarians, and writers that need a copy of this book for their classroom or home collections.