‘Izzy the Jerusalem Donkey’: Helen Lakatos releases new kids book for Orthodox Easter

·

Helen Lakatos is a first generation Australian-born Cypriot, proud mum of two grown boys, and a loving yiayia of three grandchildren. Despite this long list of descriptors and roles, Helen doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.

In fact, she’s only recently become an author as well, having released her debut children’s book Izzy the Jerusalem Donkey just in time for Orthodox Easter.

We sat down with the author to find out more about her and her latest achievement.

Helen Lakatos

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your connection to Jerusalem.

I have loved history and religion ever since I was a young girl. Both subjects fascinate me and I find great interest in the intricate connection of the two.

I was 10 years old when I first visited Jerusalem and I was totally mesmerised with the reality of actually being there. The memory of that first visit suddenly came back when I revisited 40 years later. My five senses kicked in and I remembered the sounds and in particular the distinct smell, vibe and energy of Old City Jerusalem. It’s something I can’t explain.

Since my first grown up visit back to Jerusalem, I have been involved in co-ordinating Orthodox pilgrimage groups to the Holy Land and other Orthodox-rich locations. I saw the need for English translations on the tour and before I knew it, I was hooked. I have met many wonderful people on these trips and it’s beautiful to see their reaction when they first set foot on holy ground in Jerusalem.

Helen Lakatos

You’ve just released your new children’s book for Easter. What is the book about?

My book Izzy the Jerusalem Donkey is about a young donkey named Izzy who lives in a small town near Bethany. It’s almost Passover and everyone is preparing for this very important and exciting event. This is all very new to Izzy as he also has his donkey cousins visiting with their owners.

The chain of events that unfold have Izzy bearing witness to the holiest time of the Christian calendar. Izzy is the chosen donkey for the Palm Sunday scene and we follow his character through the rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences leading to the Crucifixion and ultimately to the joy of the Resurrection.

Izzy the Jerusalem Donkey

Why did you decide to write this children’s book?

I decided to write this story because I was inspired by the legend of the Jerusalem donkey, which is actually the Nubian donkey. This breed of donkey has a cross on its back and according to legend, the original ‘Izzy’ that stood at the foot of the Holy Cross attained the shadow of the Cross permanently and passed it on to its descendants.

The old streets of Jerusalem and the Holy Land still echo of the original ‘Izzy’ donkey as he was unknowingly being written into the New Testament to fulfill his prophesied history with Jesus. Having met many of these donkeys on my travels, I thought that they should somehow tell their side of the Easter story.

Children relate to the innocence of animals and love to hear them ‘talk’.  So, I thought that this would be a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about the most important and beautiful story of victory in the New Testament.

Do you have a favourite part of the book?

My favourite part of the book is when Izzy witnesses Jesus carrying the Holy Cross through the street to Golgotha. Izzy’s emotions plummet and his protective instinct rushes to the forefront of his thoughts, totally disregarding the reality of his inability to actually save Jesus.

I like this scene, as it has a strong message of heroic altruism and this is seen often in many situations where bystanders will rush in to help without considering their own safety. I think it’s a natural human response that we probably all possess.

Izzy the Jerusalem Donkey

Why do you encourage people to buy this book for their children for Easter?

The book is in the process of being translated to Greek.

Children will read about Izzy’s experiences with various life emotions, his resilience, loyalty and faith. They will be following Izzy through the holiest time of the Christian calendar as he is called by Jesus to fulfil his duty. Palm Sunday will have a special meaning. They will see an ‘Izzy’ in every icon and remember the story of how he got there.

The book is currently available for purchase at St Stylianos Parish and the Orthodox Café Bookshop, Gymea, Sydney.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kostas Sloukas praises Greek Australian fans as Panathinaikos arrive in Sydney

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Sydney this week for the second leg of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

From family legacy to the Federal Court: A look into Justice Anastasis Liveris’ legal career

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian judge reflected on how he felt to achieve this major career milestone.

The Greek influence on Australian television

Among the many communities that helped shape TV culture were Greeks, whose presence both on and off screen left a lasting mark.

Critically endangered monk seal welcomes newborn on Karpathos island

The first Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) birth of 2025 has been confirmed on the island of Karpathos.

Campaigners celebrate as Milos luxury hotel project is halted

Environmental activists have welcomed the suspension of a controversial five-star hotel project on Milos’s world-famous “moon beach”.

You May Also Like

The Archdiocese of Australia ‘relieves parishes’ from their financial responsibilities in 2020

The decision comes as the Archdiocese attempts to respond to the needs of its parishes, priests and ecclesiastical employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Young Greek Australian Madison Eve makes waves with powerful work

A 14-year-old Greek Australian schoolgirl with a nose for news and a passion for art is taking a stand on social issues.

Theofania and its outworld capture in Christian art

Epiphany, the “festival of light” or “ton Foton,” is one of the most glorious celebrations for Christians around the world.