Two Texas donkeys. One great escape. An unforgettable journey.
When a fierce Texas storm tears open their ranch fence,
Don Qui Ote and William Burros seize their chance to search
for the truth about their parents.
Their adventure takes them across rugged landscapes and toward
Mexico, where they encounter clever squirrels, a wise turkey,
and the legendary Valentino the Bull.
When two unlikely donkey heroes discover an opportunity to leave
their Texas ranch, they embark on an adventure unlike anything
they have ever imagined.
Don Qui Ote and William Burros are determined to discover the answer
to a question that has always lingered in their hearts:
Where are our real parents?
Their journey takes them across rugged landscapes and wild frontiers.
Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of animal characters who
provide clues, friendship, humor and unexpected help.
What begins as an escape becomes a journey of discovery—about family,
friendship, courage, and finding where you belong.
Meet the Donkeys
Don Qui Ote & William Burros
Two adventurous donkeys who are brave enough to leave everything
they know behind in search of the truth about their family.
Friends Along the Way
Clever squirrels, a wise turkey, and the legendary Valentino the Bull help guide the donkeys on their remarkable journey.
A Texas-to-Mexico Adventure
Filled with humor, adventure and richly colored illustrations,
The Donkey Escape takes young readers on a journey across
the landscapes of Texas and Mexico.
It’s a story about following clues, facing the unknown,
making unexpected friends—and discovering that home may be
closer to the heart than you think.
Based on a true story
Don Qui Ote, a gray miniature donkey, and William Burros, a Bethlehem donkey recognized by the distinctive cross-shaped marking on his back— similar to the donkeys believed to have been ridden by Mary and Jesus—were both adopted as fully grown adults from the Seguin Animal Sanctuary in 2013. The pair were known for being extremely protective of cattle and strongly disliked dogs. Otherwise, they were affectionate and naturally curious. Miniature donkeys can typically live 50 to 60 years. Before this adventure, Don Qui Ote and William Burros had escaped from the farm five times. Each time, local residents, the sheriff’s office, or Seguin Animal Control eventually found them grazing on neighboring properties.
About the Book
Title: The Donkey Escape
Subtitle: A Quest to Find Home
Format: Hardcover
Size: 8 × 11 inches
Pages: 32
Interior: Full color
ISBN: 9780988835856
Retail Price: $24.99
Sell Date: August 31, 2026
Get Your Copy
The Donkey Escape is available through bookstores
and online retailers.
Interested in carrying The Donkey Escape or bringing the
author to your bookstore, library or school?
Claudia Chidester and Paul Haake are available for children’s readings, story hours,
book signings and interactive programs featuring the characters
and illustrations from the book.
Claudia Chidester, the writer, and Paul Haake, the illustrator, are the authors of The Donkey Escape,
a colorful adventure inspired by two real donkeys who escaped the Haake ranch. It represents the spirit of Texas, the landscapes
of Mexico, and the universal search for family and belonging.
Claudia Chidester was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and lives in Austin, Texas. She is a librarian and teacher. When not reading or cooking, she loves to write and make books. Paul Haake was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, started playing guitar and playing in bands at age 13, and was a medical corpsman for the US Marines. His latest band is the Mean Uncles. When not tending to the ranch and playing guitar, he loves to draw.
