There are many things that we may remember about hanging out with our grandmother but perhaps something that sticks in our mind is the fact that they always seem to be so good at reading books. I can remember from the time that I was very young that my grandmother would always pick up a book, read a few pages and I would instantly feel a lot better. There was just something about her voice that was so soothing and it seemed as if I was carried away in the story to wherever it would take me.
Things haven’t changed much over the years and the Scottish grandmother is reading a book to her grandchild as well. It’s a children’s book from New Zealand, The Wonky Donkey, and when she is reading it, she just can’t stop laughing. I’ll be the first one to admit that the words in the book are pretty funny but for grandmother Janice Clark, they are just too funny to ignore.
This book was written by Craig Smith from New Zealand. A song was also written by Craig by the same name. The book tells the tale of a three-legged donkey who is given a new adjective on each page. Eventually, it becomes a “spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey.”
The Wonky Donkey by NZ's own Craig Smith has gone viral thanks to this hilarious reading by a Scottish granny:https://t.co/MaUpHAOa1V#WonkyDonkey
— Children's Bookshop (@ChildBookShop) September 6, 2018
The donkey becomes stranger with every page and Clark just can’t stop laughing.
“Oh dear, how can anybody read this seriously? This is going to kill me.”
Smith said that the demand for the book has skyrocketed since this video has gone viral. The publisher is even rushing to print another 50,000 copies and perhaps even more. Amazon has even sold out of it in the United States and UK.
OK.. Where can I get a copy of the Wonky Donkey book for my class?!
— Scott Wellington (@welly191) September 8, 2018
Out of curiosity, I wanted to see if Amazon had any copies of The Wonky Donkey for sale… pic.twitter.com/3wp9nN8XGC
— Justin Bradford (@justinbbradford) September 10, 2018
The book is illustrated by Katz Cowley and it had already sold about 1 million copies worldwide. Most of those copies were sold in New Zealand and Australia where the book is well known.
Smith is hoping that the video will introduce people worldwide to his book.
“The video is gold. Watching Janice read and laugh was just delightful, and like many, her infectious laugh had me laughing too. I’ve always wondered why sales had not taken off so much in the UK and US, but that looks like that’s about to change.”
Oh my days I'm crying with laughter here! ? what a great book and awesome Granny! Hee haw!!
— Jeanette Taylor (@jeanettester) September 11, 2018
The illustrator has also commented:
“I am so glad that Wonky’s reputation has finally come to bite him on the bum on this side of the world thanks to ‘Wonky’s Guardian Granny’. I couldn’t be more delighted…[Clark is] a reminder in life, when all else fails, to fall about laughing. She has a spirit like Wonky’s.”
The bestselling NZ #picturebook The Wonky Donkey has got a second wind! What great news for author Craig Smith and illustrator Katz Cowley. #kidlit #viral https://t.co/hw7d1Pg69G
— Emma Wood (@Emmakayewood) September 11, 2018
Emma Layfield, the group picture book director at Hachette, The Wonky Donkey’s UK publisher, said that the book is increasing in sales. Most of the sales are taking place in Scotland.
“It’s delightful to see the infectious appeal of Wonky Donkey spread around the globe. The video is a fantastic demonstration that the best picture books entertain the whole family, not just the kids”
Twitter feels that the fame is well-deserved.
Yes I laughed for ages & had a good few attempts at wonky donkey lines for politicians & others that I don’t like, entertained for a good while
— Malvina (@MalvinaBairn) September 10, 2018
Yes, I remember parents at my storytime sessions enjoying this book as much as the kids. Great book. Hilarious video.
— Lindy Pratch (@ReadingLindy) September 12, 2018
This video is the absolute delight !!!!
— ? Amy Louise ? (@Beloved31075) September 8, 2018