Children's Books Author Dave Goodday

The Search for Donkey Paradise is AVAILABLE to buy.

Runner-up in the 2025 IOW BOOK AWARDS. Now available to buy from: Amazon, Waterstones, the IOW Donkey Sanctuary, or via the publishers (Ginger Fyre Press)

You' wont just be buying a great book, you'll also be donating to the Donkey Sanctuary charity, as all profits from its sale goes to them.

Some of the reviews of The Search for Donkey Paradise

FROM AN EDUCATIONAL VIEW

"I liked the way the author used a variety of words that will extend the reader's vocabulary and provide good talking points.

There is an educational link to hedgehogs (nocturnal and food source)

The main learning point being that things are not always better somewhere else. I think that’s really evident. I liked that some of the donkeys turned back, the message being that if you feel unsafe or change your mind that you can always go back.

I liked it, it reminded me of one of my favourite authors as a child, Dick King-Smith.

Thank you for sharing it with me." 😊
K. Deacon (Primary school teacher)

LOVELY BOOK

"I wanted to support the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, my grandson loved the book."

J. Green (5 star rating on Amazon)

BRILLIANT STORY FOR ALL AGES

"I really enjoyed this book and loved that the donkeys in it are named after the real ones at the Donkey Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. I also loved the hidden message about being happy with what you already have."

Vicky80 ( 5 star rating on Amazon)

EXCELLENT

"I loved reading this book with my grandson. Very happy."

Claire ( 5 star rating on Amazon)

BBC Radio Solent interview

On Thursday, 6th of March 2025, as part of World Book Day, Lucas and I were interviewed live on Radio Solent about our book.

The presenter, Lou Hannan, made us feel very welcome, and I believe the interview went well.

I was super proud of the way Lucas spoke with clarity when questioned at such a young age.

Brilliant morning talking to the pupils of Wellstead Primary school in Hedge End.

School visit

I had a fantastic time at Wellstead Primary school recently, after being invited in as their guest speaker. They made me feel very welcome.

Many thanks to the organisers and to all those who participated.

If you would like me to visit your school or event, please visit my contacts page and let me know.

Stall at The Police family & friends day

We booked a stall for the show, thinking we would be outside near the kiddies' corner, but the weather had other ideas. In the end, we were positioned inside where we had a lovely dry day, sold some books, and met some lovely people.

Runner up 2025 IOW Book Awards

The Search for Donkey Paradise came second in the 2025 IOW Book Awards.

My thanks to the organisers of the event. To the illustrator Hilary Love for all the effort she put in. To Marisha at Ginger Fyre press, and to the renowned children's book author and illustrator, Nicholas Allan who agreed to judge the competition.

DavID Goodday