“Beatrice’s Goat” by Page McBrier, illustrated by Lori Lohstoeter.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, New York, 2001, 32 pages, K-2.
Courage comes in many forms. There is the courage of soldiers fighting in combat. There is the fortitude of parents coping with a sick child while continuing to carry out their responsibilities. The virtue of hope often allows people to struggle with difficult issues knowing that the problems will soon be solved.
While American children have many educational avenues open to them, some Third World countries lack these resources. Page McBrier writes a sensitive picture book about a young Ugandan girl named Beatrice, hoping to go to school and gathering the courage to do so. The name of this comforting book is “Beatrice’s Goat.”
Beatrice lives in rural Uganda and tends to family chores on a small farm. She helps her hardworking mother in many ways, taking care of her younger brothers and sisters, and preparing family dinners. In a nearby school, she sees children in nice uniforms going to class. She so much wants to go the school and learn to read. But school is expensive and her family has barely enough to live.
One day, her mother gives her amazing news: the family will be given a goat, and Beatrice needs to take care of the animal. She names the goat Mugisa, which means “luck.” Beatrice instantly falls in love with Mugisa and takes good care of her.
Much to the child’s surprise, Mugisa soon gives birth to twins. Beatrice names them Mulindwa and Kihembo. The first name stands for “expected” and the second for “surprise.”
After the goat kids are weaned, the girl daily milks Mugisa and sells the product to neighbors. For each bucket she fills, Beatrice receives a shiny coin. Carefully tucking away the money, the child is proud that she can help her family. But she still longs to go to school and learn to read.
After a period to time, the coin purse is starting to bulge. Beatrice watches her mother counting out the coins with a look of consternation.
The girl is frightened. But then her mother turns to her and smiles. Her mother gives Beatrice the gift of hope she has longed for. What happens?
What results from Beatrice’s hard, courageous work tending to Mugisa? What does the mother sacrifice for her daughter? Have you ever worked for something that took strength and courage? Why did the achievement mean so much to you? How do blue school uniforms play a part in Beatrice’s hard, courageous work? To find out, go to the library and check out this lovely story, “Beatrice’s Goat” by Page McBrier.
This is a heartwarming story about a young girl achieving her dreams with the help of her family. It is extremely positive in its portraying familial love. This book could be used in both classroom situations and in shared reading in the home. Younger children will like the story and adults will enjoy its positive message. I hope you get a chance to read this fine book.
