Here is a favorite Christmas special from Disney, with great animation and a heart-warming story. I think this special is the only directorial job for Don Bluth before he left the Disney studio to create films like An American Tail, Thumbelina, etc. The story (as some of you might know it) is about a boy who has to sell his favorite donkey (and friend) named "Small One". But the problem is finding the prefect, kind owner for him. That's all I could tell you folks, you will have to see the film for yourself how it ends.So anyway, I really love this special with its really beautiful story and wonderful animation.

The Small One is so sweet and charming, that for instance it brought tears to my eyes with the boy being so tender towards Small One the Donkey. I love this, and think it is underrated, and I watch it every Christmas. The animation is beautiful, and just adds to the beauty of the film. The story was simple and gentle, demonstrating you can't have everything to meet your own needs, even if it means losing a friend. What made me cry as well as the relationship between the boy and Small One was the title song. So haunting and even heart-rending, with meaningful lyrics. I will say that I never was a fan of Sean Marshall's singing voice on Pete's Dragon, and while it was an improvement here, I still didn't like it that much. But compared to the overall beauty of the film, it is a minor criticism. I thought Small One was adorable, and I did feel angry that anyone would want to kill an innocent donkey. I loved the ending, the character of Joseph was so well-spoken, kind and sensitive, that it warmed my heart. Overall, a really sweet film. 9/10 Bethany Cox.

I remember watching this movie all year long -- not only at Christmas. I am sure that my first experience with this movie was at Christmas, as we recorded it off of the Disney Channel. My siblings and I loved this movie, loved watching this movie, and as adults, still do.The tale of a boy who loved the old donkey, "small one," as his best friend is a sweet and touching one. He goes to town to sell his donkey, only to find that no one wants Small One to love as he does. Finally, a miracle brings Joseph to the young boy, and Small One finds his greatest task of all.Even thinking of this movie brings a smile to my face. The allusion to the birth of Christ are a blessing, and we enjoyed this movie all year round.

From the first time I listened to the album to this movie I was hooked. It was a read/sing along album with the story and illustrations inside when you open the cover. The story is sweet and endearing. I cannot believe there is not more information available about this movie. If there were more stories like this for our children to grow up on, they would still be innocent like we were back then. Growing up I listened to the story everyday. I can still recite it all the lines along with movie. It was not just for Christmas in my eyes. A must see for every child and adult.