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An Olio Of Poems - Soon to be available in ebook
REVIEWS
Oh my! I am only in the first dog section but I am so impressed by your way with words! I love love “Never Believe a Puppy.” So so so true lol!! My puppy Fits this to a tee! I never should have believed him. - Kathie G.
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This one felt like a poetry book that feels like a potluck dinner where everyone brought their quirkiest, most heartfelt dish. - Christian C.
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An Olio of Poems by Christina J. Donato with Ralph A. Walton (a married poet couple) is a tricky book to review. As the title suggests, the projects and ambitions of the collection are various and many. And as the book demonstrates its poets' talents in a number of areas, the end result is something of a lovely collage. It is enjoyable and smart, certainly. But perhaps the book is unfocused in ways that make the reader wish the poets might have developed several separate projects out of this grouping of poems.
Donato's work, which makes up the bulk of the collection, is tender, emotionally revealing, spiritual, and deeply personal. At all turns, the verse is human: sometimes charming, sometimes devastating. Whether writing about dogs or God or society or love in a lyrical mode, Donato does not shy from infusing the poems with the layers of her own lived, felt experience. Donato also has a knack for constructing poems in traditional forms. Her limericks are some of the sharpest in recent memory and make the case for a return of witty light verse.
Walton's poems, which exclude prefacing notes, do speak for themselves (apart from Donato's note that "CJD" is indeed written about her). And the shift in voices is compelling, if somewhat jarring. Though he only includes a handful of poems here, it is obvious that Walton, too, is a poet of great skill and quality. He plays with slightly more elliptical turns that draw from a sharp application of diction.
While the creation of An Olio of Poems is indeed a special collaborative venture, and while there are connections through the poems the authors wrote about each other, the tacking on of Walton's poems at the end of what is otherwise Donato's collection feels like a possible disservice to both poets. Each talented, each unique in voice and style, Walton and Donato might have allowed each other and themselves to breathe a little bit here by composing separate books (or a book and a chapbook).
Regardless, An Olio of Poems is an impressive showing of deeply affecting verse by two writers operating with impressive creative energies. - Stephen D.
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An Olio of Poems is a beautifully layered and deeply human collection that captures the full spectrum of emotion from humor and love to faith, reflection, and melancholy. It's poetic voice shines with honesty and versatility, and the organization of the book into themed sections offers readers a rare blend of structure and spontaneity. It feels less like a poetry collection and more like a lifelong diary of the heart, a mirror of lived experience, crafted with authenticity and grace.
What stands out most is the inclusion of the husband’s work in the final section, Poems I Didn’t Write. It adds a touching, almost spiritual depth to the collection, a testament to shared creativity and enduring connection. Readers who appreciate poetry that is both personal and universal will find An Olio of Poems deeply moving.
An Olio of Poems can find its way into the hands of those who need its words the most. - Mandy R.
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An Olio of Poems is an expansive and eclectic collection by Christina J. Donato and Ralph A. Walton, organized into nine thematic sections that range from lighthearted reminiscences about dogs and favorite foods to sobering meditations on depression, faith, social justice, and the passage of time. The book opens with accessible poems about beloved pets, transitions into playful celebrations of culinary delights, and then plunges into the raw depths of mental health struggles. Midway, the tone shifts to spiritual musings, where Christian faith and gratitude are foregrounded, before moving on to poems probing issues of race, class, and identity. Donato experiments with classical forms—sonnets, limericks, and concrete poems—before closing with personal reflections, family tributes, and, finally, a suite of poems by Walton, whose voice brings a grittier, more existential perspective to the collection. Donato’s style is marked by its conversational clarity and deliberate simplicity, making her poetry highly accessible even when addressing sensitive themes.
I was thrilled by the imagery in this collection. In “A Walking Day,” the dog’s perspective animates the world with sensory delight— “There’s a tree. There’s a pole. There’s a bush. There’s a hole! / There’s some poop. There’s a rock. Look over there – it’s someone’s sock!”—capturing the exuberant, scattershot curiosity of canine life. The playful concrete poem “Ice Cream” not only shapes its verses into a scoop and cone, but also evokes the universal joy of the treat: “I cannot cry when eating ice cream. I don’t feel sad and blue.” In the collection’s darker moments, Donato captivates with stark imagery; in “Another Day,” the ache of isolation is distilled into, “No one cared I was alive today. / And if tomorrow I deem to be / The day that I die, / No one would even notice...” The poem “I Painted Myself” uses repetition and harsh racial slurs to shocking effect, culminating in the poignant line, “I washed off the paint just the other day, / To see what my father would say. / ‘Daughter, Daughter, where have you been?’” Her religious poems are rich with metaphor, as in “The Lord Sends Rain,” where life’s blessings and trials are entwined with the natural world. Walton’s poems, meanwhile, bring a more fragmented and existential imagery, as in “Psychasthenia”: “Sweet darkness came to erase me / Horrors and cruelty came to embrace me.” Collectively, the book’s imagery—from the mundane (a dog sniffing a sock) to the existential (the ache of being unseen, the embrace of darkness)—grounds the reader in both the specificity of lived experience and the universality of human longing. The poems in An Olio of Poems form not just a miscellany, but a canvas of lived experience—by turns whimsical, wrenching, spiritual, and socially incisive. - Hannah B.
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The Saddest dog finds a friend
READER REVIEWS
Must read 🏆
“A heartfelt story about how loneliness can make even the most playful dog really sad.”
This book beautifully narrates the story of how Belle, an exceptionally happy and friendly dog, suddenly becomes depressed and disillusioned due to her loneliness. Despite having a loving family, nobody really gets to spend that much time with her as they used to when he was only a puppy. The characters are not portrayed as black and white, they are realistic. Throughout the story we notice there are subtle nuances that vouch for the fact that Belle's family undoubtedly love her, but it also makes us aware that they had become too preoccupied with their own routine lives to realize that they had started neglecting poor Belle.
In the end, lots of small lessons are carefully packed into the story, the idea that neglect can be a form of mistreatment, the fact that one shouldn't lie and keep something they just found outside (like a lost puppy) no matter how tempting the idea is because they too belong to another family who would be terribly missing them, and also the fact that dogs need actual company to be happy. Written in a very simple and inviting language, this short story has an easy-to-follow narrative style and is definitely ideal for young school students. The detailed watercolor illustrations add to the overall experience of the lovely story. Wonderful read, recommended for all children.”
- Review by S Bose
“The Saddest Dog Finds a Friend presents Belle, a dog that experiences loneliness and sadness as her family becomes more and more engrossed in their activities, having little or no time for her. When she decides to go out and play on her own, she meets a curly-haired boy who takes an instant liking to her. Removing her ID tags, the boy brings her home. Posters promising a reward of $500 for Belle’s return catch the boy’s attention and he finds himself torn between keeping Belle and bringing her home for $500. What choice will he make and how will it affect Belle?”
- Review by Dee
Belle was adopted in 1982 from the Northshore Animal League. See their link below.
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EDITORIAL REVIEW
Some stories seem simple at first, but they have a deep emotional impact that lasts long after the last page. Christina J. Donato's The Saddest Dog Finds a Friend is one of those rare stories that speaks softly but stays with you. This story is really about loneliness, hope, and how connection can change even the worst feelings in ways you don't expect.
This book makes you feel warm and fuzzy, like sitting next to someone who understands sadness without trying to rush it away. The story has a calm, soothing rhythm that makes readers want to slow down and enjoy each moment with the dog at the center of the story. The experience is soft, which makes it easy to feel what you're feeling. Kids can probably relate to how the dog needs friends, and adults will probably feel the quiet kindness that runs through every page. It makes us care about other people and reminds us how much even the smallest thing we do can mean.
The book explores themes that reach far beyond its gentle storyline. Loneliness, belonging, and the healing power of friendship sit at the core of the narrative. These ideas resonate with readers of all ages because the desire to be seen and valued is something nearly everyone understands. The story subtly shows that friendship often appears when we least expect it and that even those who feel invisible can discover meaningful connection.
Christina J. Donato writes in a clear and emotional way, using words that are easy to understand. The characters and events happen naturally because her stories sound honest and well thought out. The pacing is good, and the pictures are clear enough to help readers see the world through the dog's hopeful eyes. Her style never seems forced or too sentimental.
The last page of the book leaves you with a warm and comforting feeling. The Saddest Dog Finds a Friend is not just a story about animals. It is a soft reminder that friendship can make a big difference. This is a special story for people who want to read about kindness, understanding, and connection.
Editorial Book Review: By TJ Brown For The Book Revue
The Dog Who wanted to be human
READER REVIEWS
Loved it! 😍
“An adorable read. Grady will slobber you with his warmth and cute antics. Cuddle yourself to a fantastic read.”
“The Dog Who Wanted to be Human by Christina J Donato is an enchanting and delightful for children. It is perfect mix of humor, love, and fantasy. Christina has masterfully created a book in the animal genre that kids will not only enjoy but most probably also insist to be read often. The book is a perfect family read for children with parents reading it aloud to them. My daughter enjoyed every page and every illustration of the book.
Alex T Lee has done a fabulous work with illustrations. They add flavor and magic to the reading. They are vibrant and pleasing to a child. Christina's language is and lucid making it a must read for all animal lovers.”
- Review by S. George
“The Dog Who Wanted to be Human tells the story of Grady, a dog that longs to experience a strong sense of belonging by sharing the family food. In a dream, he discovers that he has become a boy and while he is just happy to have whatever food the family throws at him, everything changes when a new dog is introduced to the family. His eating habits lead to a surprising awakening when he rediscovers his identity as a dog and the acceptance that brings happiness into his life.
Written in an engaging tone and colorfully illustrated, these two compelling stories are a delightful treat to children and dog lovers. It also provides interesting information about dog food.”
Review by The Book Commentary
Grady was adopted in 2012 from BONESbeagles.org. See their link below.
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EDITORIAL REVIEW
Some stories are charming because they have a lot of drama. Some people win you over with their heart, humor, and a simple idea that slowly leads you to something deeper. Christina J. Donato's The Dog Who Wanted to Be Human starts off as a fun story, but it quickly turns into something more serious. A dog thinking about what it would be like to be human is a deep thought about who we are, where we fit in, and how we see ourselves through the eyes of others.
This book makes me feel light and warm, like I'm sitting next to a loyal friend who is trying to figure out the strange ways of the world. Every page has a sense of wonder, as well as some funny parts and some that make you think. The story makes people see their lives in a new way. When a dog who is genuinely interested in people thinks about simple things, they suddenly seem interesting and important.
At its heart, the story explores themes that stretch far beyond the playful surface. Questions about identity, empathy, and connection weave naturally through the narrative. What makes someone human? What does it mean to belong? The story is easy for people of all ages to understand and relate to because the ideas are presented in a way that makes sense. Not only is it a story about a dog who wants to be human, but it also teaches us how to be kind, loyal, and understanding.
Christina J. Donato's writing is clear, friendly, and imaginative in a quiet way. Her approach makes the idea stand out without making it too heavy or hard to understand. The voice in the story sounds innocent, which fits perfectly with the point of view of the story. She uses vivid observations and playful comparisons between animal instinct and human behavior to make funny and surprisingly insightful moments.
The book leaves a soft but lasting mark by the end. It reminds people that changing the way we look at things can help us see things we might not have seen before. The Dog Who Wanted to Be Human is a sweet and thoughtful book that celebrates curiosity, kindness, and the simple joy of seeing things in a new way.
Editorial Book Review: By Peter Thompson for The Book Revue
My two dogs: their two stories
REVIEWS:
Christina J Donato’s My Two Dogs —Their Two Stories (Two Complete Books in One) is a story that is as emotionally rich as it is entertaining. Children will enjoy the adventures of Belle and Grady as they navigate complex situations and evolve in the world of humans. The narrative is filled with humorous moments, and it is never lacking in lessons that children and adults will think about as they grow. For instance, Grady’s fascination with humans and their food will lead him to a path of self-discovery and acceptance after knowing that he cannot deny who and what he really is. His dream experience as a boy leaves a strong insight into what it means to connect more intimately and deeply with our personality and nature. Themes of friendship, family, parenting, adventure, and dog education are intelligently developed in these two stories. The characters are elaborately written, and the author’s expert use of anthropomorphism lifts the quality of entertainment and plunges readers into a world that is familiar.”
- Review by K. Calderon
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My Two Dogs
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