From Bedtime Story to Viral Sensation: ‘The Wonky Donkey’ Breaks the Internet
In the world of children’s literature, few things are as heartwarming as witnessing the uncontainable joy of a child immersed in a good book. But what happens when it’s not the child who’s giggling, but a Scottish grandmother? Enter ‘The Wonky Donkey,’ a charming children’s book by New Zealand author Craig Smith, which has taken the world by storm, and all thanks to a video of an endearing grandmother sharing its pages with her grandchild.

The Wonky Donkey’s Whimsical Journey:
Craig Smith’s ‘The Wonky Donkey’ is no ordinary children’s book. Originally inspired by a catchy song of the same name, the book tells the tale of a three-legged donkey whose descriptions grow increasingly absurd with each page. From “spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey,” the book is a linguistic delight for both children and adults.

While the book had already achieved considerable success in Australia and New Zealand, it was somewhat of an underground sensation in the UK and the US. That is until a heartwarming video featuring Scottish grandmother Janice Clark reading ‘The Wonky Donkey’ to her four-month-old grandson Archer went viral.
The Viral Video That Touched Hearts:
In the video, Janice Clark begins reading ‘The Wonky Donkey’ with a warm smile, completely unaware of the laughter-inducing adventure that awaits her. As the story unfolds and the donkey’s descriptions become increasingly bizarre, Janice’s laughter becomes infectious. Her uncontrollable giggles, her joyful struggle to read each line, and her sheer delight in the story captivated hearts around the world.
The video, shared on various platforms, garnered millions of views in a matter of days. It became a global sensation, leaving everyone who watched it with a smile on their face. But what’s most remarkable about this viral moment is the way it reminds us of the universal appeal of a good story and the power of shared laughter.
A Reminder of the Joy of Storytelling:
Janice Clark’s laughter during the reading of ‘The Wonky Donkey’ serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless joy of storytelling. For generations, parents and grandparents have shared stories with their little ones, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
The video encourages us to reflect on our own childhood experiences with books and bedtime stories. It invites us to remember the laughter and the warmth of those moments when we too were transported to magical worlds through the power of a story.

A Global Phenomenon:
‘The Wonky Donkey’ has become more than just a book; it’s now a global phenomenon. Demand for the book has surged, with publishers rushing to print thousands of additional copies. Online retailers have sold out, and it’s clear that ‘The Wonky Donkey’ has found a new, enthusiastic audience in the UK and the US, thanks to Janice Clark’s infectious laughter.
In conclusion, ‘The Wonky Donkey’ and the heartwarming video featuring Janice Clark remind us of the universal magic of storytelling and the joy that it brings. It’s a beautiful example of how a simple moment can become a global sensation, spreading happiness and laughter to people of all ages. So, if you haven’t already, pick up a copy of ‘The Wonky Donkey,’ read it to a child or a loved one, and let the contagious giggles fill your hearts and home. After all, in a world that can sometimes seem too serious, a good laugh shared over a great story is a treasure beyond measure.