The Goat Lady (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) [Hardcover]

Jane Bregoli (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

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

Review

"... brilliant watercolor illustrations...teaches children ... importance of being friendly and open to people who may be different..heartwarming tale" -- Heifer International/World Ark Magazine, Nov/Dec 2005

"...Bregoli is an incredible award-winning artist... fabulous artwork ranges between photographic and impressionistic...heartwarming, entertaining tale. -- New Jersey Star Ledger, July, 10, 2005

"...Bregoli's gentle text and charming paintings make readers of all ages want to know a woman like Noelie." -- Green Teacher, Winter/Spring 2007

"...arresting portraits...Based on real events, the gentle story is told in affectionate if not particularly captivating prose." -- Hornbook Guide to Children, July 1, 2005

"Maine Student Book Award 2005-2006 Nominee" -- Maine Library Association - Maine Association of School Libraries

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

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

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

Teacher's Choice Award -- International Reaing Association, 2005

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088448260X
• ISBN-13: 978-0884482604
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #504,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Noelie Houle, called "The Goat Lady" in this area of Massachusetts, became a subject of my artwork. The more I painted this wise woman on her goat farm, the more I realized that the paintings were not enough to capture her life, and the words of her story became necessary to write down. My book, "The Goat Lady" not only became a collection of oil and watercolor paintings, but became a collection of Noelie's ideas, ideals and thoughtful practices. To see Noelie on her goat farm visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I94e97UIq00

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching book for children and parents alike., October 24, 2004

By 

StarGazer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Goat Lady (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) (Hardcover)

I was touched by this story of an old lady whose love exudes from every inch of her aging body. This is a great story to read to children because it teaches them that appearances are not all that they seem. Recent research shows that children identify with thing of beauty straight from the womb. However, it takes time to realize that not all beauty is external.

This book approaches children at a level they can understand yet communicates an ideal deeper than they have yet imagined. The beautiful artistry from Bregoli shines throughout, and never appears rushed. Each (done by jane herself) painting is exquisitely and intricately crafted by a master with the brush. For some, it comes rather effortlessly. I sense this is the case with Jane, but I do not know her personally.

One of my favorite children's books in years. Perhaps the best I've read since The Ox Cart Man.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars *Goats export Noelie's GOOD WILL around the world*, January 31, 2006

By 

mcHaiku "nmi" (Brown County INDIANA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Goat Lady (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) (Hardcover)

"The Goat Lady" is a beautiful book for every member of the family to savor. It is a true story told with gentleness as if to forgive readers who might have been among the irascible neighbors making trivial complaints about her goats and unkempt property. Through the story we learn to appreciate Noelie's spirit and kindnesses, and can recognize those objections as poorly disguised attempts to protect so-called 'property values'! Ironically, the neighbors' homesites were once land owned by the elderly woman and sold to pay bills when her husband was dying.

It was in 1988 that "the Goat Lady" introduces herself to the author's children: "I am Noelie Lemire Houle, French Canadian, born in 1899." NOELIE ! With that lovely name how could she NOT be filled with kindness 'for man & beast'? She began raising goats after learning that she needed to drink goats' milk to strengthen her bones and alleviate the arthritis she suffered. In time her herd increased, milk products were sold or traded to benefit many, and the extra kids were donated to the HEIFER PROJECT which sent her good will on a trip around the globe! This story will give great impetus to the work of that organization, and increase its influence a hundred-fold.

Author Jane Bregoli (www.janebregoli.com) illustrated her book with delicately perceptive portraits of Noelie. I am still taken with the artists's ability to paint the fuzziness of Noelie's cartigan sweater and the fine goat hairs, as well as subtle shadings of color. Reviewer mcHAIKU points to her favorite portrait on p.22 and exclaims, "This is truly superb!" I hope all readers are equally enthusiastic about this fascinating story of a stalwart lady and her goats.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Goat Lady, November 8, 2005

By 

Sam (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Goat Lady (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) (Hardcover)

In this tale of a young girl who is curious about her odd neighbor, the girl takes a journey to find out that her neighbor is not that strange after all. Her neighbor is an old woman who takes care of goats to receive the nick name goat lady. The girl soon befriends the old woman and ends up helping her tend to the goats and other animals on her farm. The old woman tells her of how she became a goat farmer and she teaches her about the goats. The girl has her mother paint a portrait of the old woman and she ends up painting so many that she has an entire gallery exhibit. After the exhibit, the neighbors learn more about the goat lady as well at stop complaining about her un-kept yard when they realize what a nice person she is. Along with a great storyline, this book has wonderful illustrations. This book could be used in the classroom for so many different activities, one of the most important being kind to your neighbors and not "judging a book by its cover."