The true story of John Fitzpatrick Simpson and his donkey he named “Duffy” is well known for the courage shown by a soldier who joined the ANZACs and went to Gallipoli as a stretcher bearer. He was originally from Shields in England but went to Australia and worked a variety of jobs before enlisting with the ANZAC (hoping to get back to England).
I used both these books to read and discuss the story of Simpson and his donkey: “Simpson and his donkey” by Marc Greenwood, illustrated by Frane Lessac and “Simpson and Duffy” by Mary Small, illustrated by Ester Kasepuu. The illustrations in both books were useful to look at the setting and terrain of the land where the ANZAC soldiers landed and had to fight.
I have done this activity a couple of times over the years, with slight variations, using paint or crayons and adding small crosses to the scene.
Art lesson plan with artwork discussion ideas, suggested story books, video link, learning intentions and success criteria, lesson activity steps, materials and techniques, images to use, and an optional rubric for evaluation.