The Goat Lady Jane Bregoli Hardcover, $16.95, ISBN 978-0-88448-260-4 Paperback, $7.95; ISBN 978-0-88448-309-0 9 x 10, 32 pages, color illustrations Children; Grades 3-6

Teachers' Choices, 2005
—International Reading Association

ASPCA Henry Berg Award, 2004, Humane Heroes

". . . at its heart, The Goat Lady is the story of the power of friendship, how friendship—and knowledge—can erase misunderstanding."
—Bangor Daily News

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 listen to her stories, and they come to love her.

For many years Noelie provided goat's milk for people who needed it and sent her extra goat kids to poor people in poor countries through Heifer International. The children's mother paints a series of paintings 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.

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. For more about Jane: www.twitter.com/j_paint