When you think of Disney and Christmas specials, the first one that comes to mind is likely Mickey's Christmas Carol, and for good reason. But five years before that short came out, Disney released another Christmas special called The Small One, directed by none other than Don Bluth, shortly before he left the company to form his own animation studio. Although it seems to have largely been forgotten by Disney, Toon My Heart host Tracy Herold and special guest, artist and animator Monica Theiler both have fond childhood memories of watching this story of a boy seeking a new home for his beloved donkey and finding one more special than he could have ever imagined. And in this episode, we talk about what it shows us about true friendship, how to love like God does, and God's perfect plan and purpose for every "small one."

Visit Monica Theiler and buy her books at artistmonica.com

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Also mentioned in this episode:

• Watch The Small One on Disney+
• The Small One: A Story for Those Who Like Christmas and Small Donkeys by Charles Tazewell
• Somewhere Out There: My Animated Life by Don Bluth
• The Small One: A Good Samaritan by Katherine Brown

Thank you to soundeffectfactory.com for the sleigh bell sound effects used in this episode.