The new children's book A Donkey Is Not Stupid honors the donkey, which is an important part of life in the northwestern parts of South Africa, where author Pieter Ernst Smith was born. A little black boy named Thabo does not treat his donkey well. He and his donkey became equally stubborn in teaching each other a lesson. In the end, Thabo realizes how much his donkey means to him. He changes his ways and treats his donkey well. Then they became best friends. Apart from guiding kids on how to treat animals, I also want to tell people what a remarkable animal a donkey actually is, and to correct some misconceptions about donkeys, Smith says. I grew up on a farm in South Africa. The workers on the farm were allowed to have donkeys. Most of them treated their donkeys well, but there were always the ones who ill treated and sometimes abused their donkeys (and other animals). The author believes that donkeys are sensitive and intelligent animals, as well as good companions. The story is nicely embedded in the rural black culture in South Africa. First-time author Pieter Ernst Smith worked for the South African Broadcasting Corporation.He then taught English in South Korea, and is now an estate agent in Johannesburg, South Africa. He wrote this book to show his respect for the animals. In Upington in South Africa, there is a statue in honor of the great contribution of donkeys in the region. He has written the next book in this series. Publisher's website: http: //www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/ADonkeyIsNotStupid.htm