Beatrice's Goat
What’s inside...
Based on a true story, this heartwarming picture book shows how one gift changed the fate of a poor Ugandan family--especially the young girl who wanted to go to school. More than anything, Beatrice longs to be a schoolgirl. But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away--a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa ('luck') gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, Beatrice's dream may come true after all! Heifer Project International is a charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world, giving other families like Beatrice's a chance to change their lives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Beatrice felt when she received the goat, and how did it change her life?
What are some ways Beatrice’s community benefited from the goat?
Why do you think sharing and helping others is important?
How can we help people in our own community like Beatrice was helped in the story?
What would you do if you were in Beatrice's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly explain the setting of the story to provide context, which will help the child understand the backdrop of Beatrice's life.
Pause at key moments in the story to explore the illustrations and ask your child what they observe, helping them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
Use real-world examples to compare Beatrice’s experiences with those your child might be familiar with, fostering empathy and understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to imagine a continuation of the story or an alternative ending, which promotes creative thinking and deeper comprehension of the story's themes.
Discuss the importance of community support and teamwork, relating it to the child’s experiences in school or in their local community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Beatrice's experiences highlight the power of empathy and compassion. Readers see how her life changes positively through the kindness of others who donate a goat.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting acts of kindness in their daily interactions, whether it's sharing with a sibling or helping a friend.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The book emphasizes how education can transform lives. Beatrice's dream of attending school is realized through the income generated from the goat, illuminating education's role in personal growth and community improvement.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value their own educational opportunities and understand how learning can open doors to new possibilities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Determination
Explanation: Beatrice faces many challenges, but her determination to improve her family’s life drives her to make the most of her resources. Her resilience is a key theme throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying determined in the face of their own challenges, whether in school or personal endeavors, learning to persevere and maintain a positive outlook.
Example Lesson: Economic Empowerment
Explanation: The story illustrates how economic empowerment can lead to significant improvements in lifestyle and opportunities. The goat helps Beatrice's family generate income, which brings about transformative changes.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of financial responsibility and how entrepreneurial skills can be used to improve one’s standard of living.
Example Lesson: Impact of Charity
Explanation: The book shows the far-reaching impact of charity—how a single act of generosity (donating a goat) can significantly change someone’s life, promoting a cycle of positivity and growth.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to support or initiate charitable acts within their communities, understanding that their contributions can have a meaningful impact on others' lives.