The Adventures of Goat

by Lucille Hammond, Eugenie Fernandes (Illustrator)

A small goat leaves the farm for the city where he learns how to dance, play soccer, and read; but after a time he misses the farm and know that's where he belongs.

23 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Steven Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this on one of my late daughter-in-law’s bookshelves while trying to reach an electrical outlet. I assume it was one of her books from when she was growing up. Goats always remind me of Jess. She had them on her family farm, and always talked about getting them for her new home. Just the way she said the word “goat” reflected love for them. Anyway, I sat down to read it as a way to spend a few moments with the memory of my amazing daughter-in-law.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one twice in the past two days to my nephews. It was very nostalgic; I remember the image of Goat in his ballet clothes very vividly.

[Richelle Starke]

Actually called The Adventures of Goat

[Gingaeru · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my, is this book ever weird. (Goodreads, this is NOT "The Little Mermaid", go home, you're drunk.) A goat experiences wanderlust and exits the farm. Now, he's standing on his hind legs in a shirt and trousers at the bus stop, but the two goats he's waving goodbye to are just regular old goats... Sure, that's normal... "When he got to the city he moved in with a family that was friendly and kind. They were very fond of small goats, and they were delighted that he had come to live at their house. They made him feel welcome and gave him whatever he needed." Umm... If you haven't read it yourself, there's a two-page illustration of "Goat" sitting bolt-upright on their sofa as the family of four eagerly huddles around him, just staring. Totally normal. (This just screams sacrificial cult; honestly, who are these people?!) "... Goat, as he preferred to be called..." Naturally. (What is this book?) He befriends the local kids, but can't join them at school. "[The teacher] reminded the children of the sign in front of the school that said: This school is for boys and girls NO GOATS ALLOWED" Ah yes, my school too had such a sign. (Who agrees to publish this stuff?)

"'Don't worry,' said Goat to the children. 'There are lots of things I can do while you are in school.'
[page turn]
First Goat learned to dance."

(I'm speechless.) He excels at dancing and soccer, and he loves books, but cannot read. The kids convince their teacher to watch "Goat" win a soccer game and be a hit dancer at the Christmas concert. The teacher allows "Goat" to attend school after the holiday. "But then spring arrived, and though Goat was happy with the children, he began to miss the other goats... [the children are sad, etc.]... He promised to visit them often, and he told them he would be their friend forever and ever." They throw him a goodbye party and he returns to the farm... but he doesn't remove his shirt, trousers, or... dancing shoes... (Was everyone involved with this book out of their minds on hard drugs, or what?)

[Lanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

thumbs up

[Hel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorit book as a child.