Mahatma Gandhi once said "Be the change you want to see in the world." In Give a Goat, the fifth-graders in Mrs. Roswell's class learn that big changes for themselves and others can begin with small actions when they hear the story of Ugandan girl named Beatrice whose family receives a goat from Heifer International. Not only does the goat provide nourishing milk for the family - she also provides enough milk for family to sell, and to make Beatrice's dream of going to school a reality.The children are inspired to raise money to give a goat to another needy family. By selling healthy snacks to students and teachers, they amass enough for a goat plus chickens plus ducks. By the end of the book, many classes are raising money for local food banks and the Red Cross. Giving feels good!
The story that Ms. Schrock has written is true. The language is simple for a child to understand and enjoy, and the illustrations are so clever and whimsical that everyone - parents and teachers alike -will be delighted. The children are real children; they throw paper airplanes, they fall asleep in class, they use computers, and they have splashy, soapy fun at a car wash. Once they begin the project, a goat appears on every page, chewing on posters, reading a book, butting a boy's leg, and bathing in soapy water. It even pilots the biplane that brings the chickens and ducks to Uganda!
I can't say enough about this book, Heifer International, and the opportunities they provide to change the world, one family at a time. We can be the change we want to see in the world. Buy a book, read to a child, give a goat (or a beehive) - it's easy!
You can find more links about the tour and the author here and here. Thank you, Sarah McGinnis, for letting me share my passion for change.
