Achilles the Donkey

London: Dennis Dobson, 1962; New York: Franklin Watts, 1963. Illustrations by Carol Barker.

The first of three children's picture books illustrated by Carol Barker (followed by Achilles and Diana and Achilles and the Twins). The dust cover states that "Carol Barker painted the pictures in this book after a visit to Greece. they were shown to H.E. Bates who liked them so much that he agreed immediately to contribute a text."

A simple story of a young donkey in Greece, named for his running abilities, who is separated from his mother and bought by a cruel fruit-vendor. He escapes his ill-treatment with the help of a pelican named Popo. The story was adapted for the television series "Jackanory" and aired in September 1970.

Reviews:

• Books and Bookmen (November 1962, p. 83, Elaine Moss, attached)
• Times Literary Supplement (November 23, 1962, p. 909, Anne Serraillier, attached)