Tom (sadly deceased in the Summer of 2018) wrote several books, cookbooks, and numerous magazine articles, but in the last decade he published a collection of children’s bedtime stories about cats and then eight children’s books about a donkey on Prince Edward Island, Donkey Oatie. (While all of the following books are available through Amazon, copies are on hand and are still available locally on Prince Edward Island from his wife).
KittenCat Adventures for a Special Person
(ISBN 978-0-9783995-9-7)
This book has 20 illustrated poems all written from the perspective of the cat for children (or other cat-persons).
(ISBN: 978-0-9866065-4-0)
Donkey Oatie’s Impossible Dream.
(ISBN 978-098660655-7)
This is the first story about Donkey Oatie, who lives on Prince Edward Island, and should be very happy. But he is, shall we say, wistful. Why? Donkey Oatie has a dream – he would like to be a cow. Struggling to fit in with the cows, he finds that his natural instinct to protect them from predators brings him acceptance. This is the first in a series of Donkey Oatie Adventures, written for young readers and to read aloud by Tom H. Rath and illustrated in full color by Gregory MacAdam. It is available from Tom as well as on Amazon.
Donkey Oatie’s Fashion Statement.
(ISBN: 978-0-9866065-7-1)
In this second book of the series Donkey Oatie encounters human friends with painted nails, braids, and body piercings and starts to imagine how he would look, but the shock of imagining the net effect convinces him he would prefer to remain “a good-looking and happy little donkey.” Again Tom Rath provides a cute story with a message and Ian provides captivating illustrations. It too is available through Amazon.
Donkey Oatie’s Field Trip
(ISBN: 978-0-9918033-4-7)
In this third Donkey Oatie book, beautifully illustrated by Christine Gaudet, the story begins with he and his friends standing around under a big maple tree watching the rain fall. As it slows, a rainbow draws them out and they take a trip of discovery around the field. Mice, rabbits, crows and cows all go on the trip and they discover frogs and mouse holes. Oatie returns to his shed at the end to dream of the oats his farmer is going to bring.
(ISBN: 978-0-9918033-6-1)
In this fourth book about the Prince Edward Island donkey, his stable becomes the setting for the Christmas Play by the children of the nearby school. Tom Rath tells the story in simple short lines and Katie Townshend’s illustrations, following in the tradition of a different illustrator for each book in the series, add brilliant colour to the book. Why is the star getting bigger every night? Why are people peering into my shed? And what is a pageant anyway? Donkey Oatie’s latest adventure takes place on a cool but snow-free December evening….
Donkey Oatie’s Montague Parade
(ISBN: 978-0-9918033-7-8)
In this fifth story the famous but slightly shy donkey gets to ride on a float in the parade held in the local town of Montague.
Donkey Oatie’s Irish Visitor
(ISBN: 978-1-987852-07-3)
In the continuing series about this remarkable donkey, Oatie encounters a Leprechaun who takes him on a tour for gold, but finds the end of the rainbow results in a golden, but very edible, apple.
Donkey Oatie’s Early Days
(ISBN: 978-1-987852-08-0)
This title fills in the background of the donkey who has been in multiple books and began his career as a donkey who wanted to be a cow. Here he begins to get to know the other animals in the barn and meets the veterinarian. The newest story combines the writing of Tom Rath and introduces a new illustrator, Aislinn Nicholson. “The best one yet,” says Tom.
Donkey Oatie’s Birthday Party
(ISBN: 978-1-987852-14-1)
Oatie is surprised when the farmers daughter tells him he has a birthday coming up–whatever that is. There is a sign in the stable inviting all the animals to the party and Oatie seems to find animals secretly talking in small groups. When the day arrives the farmer’s daughter brushes him and puts a straw hat on him. When he arrives at the stable all the animals wish him happy birthday in their own ways. There is a nice ball and a basket of carrots and apples to eat. As Oatie says to himself, “I’m still not sure what a birthday is but we should do it again next year.