The Goat of Many Colors
Animals with Attitude Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
A flamingo, continually interrupted by an anteater, tells a story of a talented goat named Gus who loves to dive. Through a misunderstanding, Gus becomes the leader of a herd of wild goats. When someone mistakenly paints Gus's hair, the other goats start to like him. This creative twist on the story of Joseph and his colorful coat teaches that God gives each person special gifts and that talent is a gift from God.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the goat wanted to change its colors?
How did the other animals react to the goat's many colors?
What does this story teach us about being yourself?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did that make you feel?
If you were the goat, what color would you choose to be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the story might be about based on the title and cover illustration.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more dynamic and engaging.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask prediction questions like, 'What do you think will happen next?'
Relate the story's themes to your child's own experiences by discussing times they have felt unique or celebrated their individuality.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of the goat with their favorite colors, discussing the reasons for their choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story revolves around a colorful goat who is different from the rest. The goat's journey emphasizes the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the uniqueness of each individual in their classrooms and communities, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite facing challenges due to its appearance, the goat perseveres and remains cheerful. This teaches children about resilience and maintaining a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by staying positive and resilient when they encounter difficulties, whether in school or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the goat finds friendship in those who accept him as he is. This highlights the importance of forming genuine connections based on acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build meaningful relationships by valuing their friends for who they are, not just for their appearances or abilities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and self-expression
Explanation: The goat expresses itself through its vibrant colors, teaching children the importance of self-expression and creativity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in creative activities like drawing, writing, or playing, and to express themselves authentically in various aspects of life.