The Goat Lady
on Goodreads (103)
What’s inside...
Tells the story of an elderly French-Canadian woman named Noelie, living in Massachusetts, who raises goats to provide milk for those in need. Despite her rundown house and barnyard animals causing complaints from neighbors, the children in the community appreciate her kindness and learn from her stories. Noelie contributes extra goat kids to the Heifer Project, helping poor people in other countries. Eventually, the children's mother, by painting a series of portraits of Noelie and organizing an art show, helps the rest of the community recognize and appreciate Noelie's kindness and courage.
Discussion points
What do you think made the Goat Lady so special to the people in her community?
How do you think the goats affected the Goat Lady's life?
Can you imagine what your life would be like if you had goats? What would change?
Why do you think the artist wanted to paint the Goat Lady and her goats?
How did the community's perception of the Goat Lady change throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about an interesting neighbor or community member to make the narrative more relatable.
Ask your child to describe their favorite illustrations in the book and what they think those pictures are saying about the story.
Encourage your child to think about the importance of kindness and community by discussing how people in the book treated the Goat Lady.
Discuss the themes of the book such as compassion, understanding, and acceptance, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Use the story as a starting point to talk about respecting everyone's unique qualities and contributions to a community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'The Goat Lady', children learn about empathy through the story of an elderly woman who cares for goats, and how the community views her. The nurturing relationship between the Goat Lady and her animals serves as a powerful example of compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values by showing kindness and understanding towards those who are different from them, whether it's classmates from diverse backgrounds or elderly neighbors.
Example Lesson: Respect for the Elderly
Explanation: The book portrays the elderly Goat Lady with dignity and respect, showcasing her contributions to the community through her care for the goats. This helps children see the value and wisdom that older people bring to their lives.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice this lesson by engaging with and listening to the stories and experiences of their grandparents or other older individuals in their community, fostering intergenerational respect.
Example Lesson: Environmental Stewardship
Explanation: The story highlights the relationship between humans and animals, and by extension, nature. It shows how the Goat Lady’s sustainable practices benefit the environment, promoting an early awareness of environmental care.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take part in environmental conservation activities such as recycling, planting trees, or taking care of animals.
Example Lesson: Community Involvement
Explanation: Through the narrative, 'The Goat Lady' demonstrates the importance of community as various characters interact with the Goat Lady and her goats, leading to a collective art project that celebrates her life.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to participate in community service or local projects, helping them understand the impact of collaborative efforts and the importance of belonging to a community.