More than anything, Beatrice longs to be a schoolgirl. But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away—a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa (which means "luck") gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, it looks as if Beatrice's dream may come true after all. Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter beautifully recount this true story about how one child, given the right tools, is able to lift her family out of poverty. Thanks to Heifer Project International—a charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world—other families like Beatrice's will also have a chance to change their lives.
Author
Page McBrier is a writing consultant, teaching artist, and the author of 46 books for young readers, including the award-winning New York Times bestseller, BEATRICE’S GOAT. She grew up in Indianapolis and later, St. Louis, where she majored in theater and education. Page's career as a children’s book author began serendipitously when she was asked to develop a “book series for boys” by a book packaging company, which became the Oliver and Company series for Troll Publishing. Recent projects include ONE COW AND COUNTING, another title in her series of picture books for Heifer International, an organization that helps poor families end hunger and care for the earth, and ABRACADABRA TUT, a time travel adventure for ages 9-12, and recent winner of the IRDA Best Children's Book.
