From the publisher: NewSouth Books made a promise to Kathryn Tucker Windham. We promised we would do everything we could to make book lovers and librarians and bookstores and educators aware that her illustrated children’s book, Ernest’s Gift, was back in print. This charming and poignant volume, for readers ages 6-10, tells a very special Alabama story, and it’s now back in stock.

Enter the world of reclusive nature-lover Walter Anderson, a renowned watercolor artist who lived a simple life at the edge of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a place where the sea meets the earth and the sky. In this exquisite picture book biography, Orbis Pictus Award winning writer Hester Bass and Caldecott Honor winning illustrator E.B. Lewis pay honor to this uncompromising American artist and offer a powerful glimpse into the secret world of Walter Anderson.

From the author: In The Donkey of Tarsus, Saul (later “Paul”) asks his family for one of their donkeys when he sets out for Jerusalem to help defend the Jewish faith from the growing belief in Jesus as the Messiah. His father gladly gives him one that has been a troublemaker. This young donkey is very excited to be leaving the tent business behind to go off on an adventure with Saul. However, the night before he is to leave, he is stunned to learn from his mother that it was his great-uncle who carried Jesus to Jerusalem! He is fearful if this were to be known that he would be left behind.

From the publisher: Waking up early in the morning, excited about a bright, sunny day, eating a quick breakfast, and rushing to begin a fun day outside are the lively activities that begin this story. Abby, Davey, and especially Charlie can’t wait to get into the woods to play with the animals that live there [and] slide down the beautiful red hills!