Mr. Wing Ding the butterfly, a Nazareth Donkey Derby, Joseph and Jesus camping, and Mary making apple pie – these are just some of the many fun images and stories told in “Jake: The Adventures of a Small Donkey with Big Ears Who Loved the Christ Child,” by Rev. Michael D. Couhig, C.S.C.
The inspiration for the unique tale of a small donkey named Jake, a worker and friend of the Holy Family, came from the classroom.
“I never started out thinking I’m going to write a book. I was just writing chapters to entertain the children in the classroom, they tend to pay attention to a donkey more than they do their parish priest,” laughed Fr. Couhig. As a deacon at St. Joseph Parish in South Bend, Indiana, he was assigned to teach religion to kindergarten, first, and second-grade students at the school. He struggled to catch the children’s attention.
“I soon learned two important facts: first, children could care less about the lofty theological concepts that were imparted to me during my graduate-level divinity studies. I soon observed children becoming antsy and quickly finding interest in anything other than the deacon struggling to teach religion. I felt each week that I was sinking in quicksand,” shared Fr. Couhig in the forward of the book. Sister Carmel Marie, C.S.C., and Sister Madeline Sophie, C.S.C., had grade school teaching experience and mentored Fr. Couhig on finding ways to connect with the youth. “I learned from them that the teacher had to be concrete and simple to hold the interest of children. Thus, I soon learned the second fact: biblical truths could be communicated to the youngsters through engaging stories. If you awaken their imaginations, they will listen attentively to their teacher.”
Fr. Couhig used stories about Jake the donkey while teaching over the years and about five years ago had the opportunity to write other tales and organize them into a children’s book.
Describing himself as someone who practically views life and hailing from Missouri, Fr. Couhig chose a donkey for his main character because he could help the family with work and also be a loveable companion. Jake and Jesus sounded good together, giving the main character his name, noting his small stature and floppy ears made him unique like Jesus. Fr. Couhig came from a loving family, the youngest of five children, and brings his happy childhood onto the pages with descriptions of Jesus coming home to the smells of Mary’s delicious baked goods.
Throughout the book, readers explore the life of a young Jesus, learn about their family interactions, and enjoy the journeys of Jesus and his friend Jake.
“I hope that they pick up on the beauty of creation, God’s beautiful world, and God giving it to us to take good care of it. I think Jesus and Joseph were very good at doing that,” noted Fr. Couhig on a message he conveyed in the book.
Fr. Couhig often highlighted the Blessed Mother walking humbly with God and her grace. Throughout the pages, readers witness her singing, meditating, and being happy despite being poor and living in a dusty old house. He shares how she went about her life fully dedicated to God through her family.
“Another message is respect for animals. Those stories about the boy throwing rocks at the little blue bird were well intended because I’m trying to teach children to be respectful of animals,” said Fr. Couhig. “I’m hoping there are several teachable moments where the adult that’s reading the book with the child can stop and talk about it. I want to get communication going between parents, uncles, aunts, and children to talk about religion.”
Most of his career was spent in parish ministry, working for years at St. Joseph Parish, South Bend, Indiana; St. Clement Parish, Hayward, California; and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Burbank, California. Currently, he works and resides at Casa Santa Cruz in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I hope readers can get closer to God and they can get closer to one another by the shared experience. If it helps family life out, praise God, that’s worth it,” said Fr. Couhig
Published March 2025
