Robin Leist
The Story of Philly
She was born in Texas to a wild mother and moved to a farm in Minneapolis with her mother.’ Philly was shy, uncertain and a little scared of the big world. But at Joah’s Ark, a sanctuary filled with animals and love, her life changed forever. From her first wobbly steps of independence to her daring and slightly scary adventure in the cornfields, Philly’s journey shows us how bravery, kindness and belonging can transform a life.
About the Author
Robin Leist
Robin Leist has always lived close to animals and stories. Growing up on a Wyoming cattle ranch, she rode her first pony at just three years old and by eleven, she was showing horses across the western states. That early bond with animals stayed with her, shaping not just her life, but her writing.
Robin also grew up surrounded by books and writers, her parents and older brother are all published authors. So, it’s no surprise she found her voice on the page. After earning a BA in English and Education at Cornell University and an MA at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she built a career in teaching and later as Executive Director of community nonprofits.
Her passion is sharing stories that remind us of the importance of courage, connection and love.
Read This Book
Why You Should Read This Book
Perfect for children ages 3–10, The Story of Philly is a beautifully illustrated tale about friendship, trust and resilience.
About the Book
The Story of Philly
Meet Philly, a tiny donkey with a big heart.
The Story of Philly takes young readers on an unforgettable journey. From Philly’s early days hiding behind her wild mother, to her brave escape and frightening adventure in the cornfields, to her return home where she finally finds friendship and belonging at Joah’s Ark.
Through charming illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, children learn:
- Courage doesn’t mean you’re never afraid.
- True friends and caring communities can change everything.
- Everyone has a place where they belong.
Ideal for ages 3–10, this story is perfect for bedtime, classrooms, or any child who loves animals and uplifting adventures.
About the Story
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Book Reviews
What Readers Says About Book
My daughter asks for it every night before bed. Philly the Donkey is her new favorite character and honestly I love the story too.”
. I read it with my 7-year-old and he kept stopping me to talk about being brave. Best bedtime story we’ve read in a long time.”
It’s not just a story about a donkey, it’s about courage, friendship, and belonging. My students loved it!”
The story had my kids giggling but also gave us a chance to talk about being scared and still doing brave things.”
I bought it for my niece but I ended up reading it twice myself. The writing is charming, the pictures are adorable and the message is the best.”
This book is just amazing!
My daughter asks for it every night before bed. Philly the Donkey is her new favorite character and honestly I love the story too.”
