The Goat Lady

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4–An elderly French Canadian named Noelie often drew criticism from the Dartmouth, MA, townsfolk because she kept a herd of white goats in her yard. Neighbors complained that the animals were noisy and unruly and that the house was unkempt. The author and her children befriended the old woman and found that she was gentle and kind. When Bregoli's daughter asked her to paint a picture of the Goat Lady, the artist painted a series of portraits and eventually exhibited them in a local art museum. The paintings helped others in the community to look past Noelie's mismatched clothes and odd ways and recognize her humble goodness. This gentle, straightforward narrative is told from the point of view of one of the children and is ideal for reading aloud. The book is illustrated with sharp color reproductions of Bregoli's original portraits done in a soft painterly style. A true story about intergenerational relationships and tolerance that's perfect for sharing.–Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

New Bedford Standard Times, October 8, 2004
"Tale of understanding...deeply affecting paintings...engaging story."

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
2004 finalist for the Henry Bergh Children's Book Award (Non-fiction, Humane Heroes category)

International Reaing Association, 2005
Teacher's Choice Award

ASPCA, 2004
Henry Bergh Children's Book Award, Humane Heroes

From the Inside Flap
Two children and their mother, new to the neighborhood, befriend Noelie Houle, an elderly lady who raises goats. Her other neighbors bemoan the "Goat Lady's" rundown house and barnyard animals, but the children see how she cares for her goats, they hear her stories, and they come to love her. For many years Noelie has provided goat's milk for people who need it and has sent her extra goat kids to poor people in poor countries through the Heifer Project. The children's mother paints a series of portraits of the "Goat Lady," and her art show at the local town hall helps the rest of the community see Noelie's kindness and courage.

About the Author
Jane Bregoli lives in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, where she and her children befriended Noelie Houle. Jane is an elementary school art teacher. Her paintings have been featured in many shows and publications, and have won numerous awards.


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Gr 2-4-An elderly French Canadian named Noelie often drew criticism from the Dartmouth, MA, townsfolk because she kept a herd of white goats in her yard. Neighbors complained that the animals were noisy and unruly and that the house was unkempt. The author and her children befriended the old woman and found that she was gentle and kind. When Bregoli's daughter asked her to paint a picture of the Goat Lady, the artist painted a series of portraits and eventually exhibited them in a local art museum. The paintings helped others in the community to look past Noelie's mismatched clothes and odd ways and recognize her humble goodness. This gentle, straightforward narrative is told from the point of view of one of the children and is ideal for reading aloud. The book is illustrated with sharp color reproductions of Bregoli's original portraits done in a soft painterly style. A true story about intergenerational relationships and tolerance that's perfect for sharing.-Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.


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