Story Review of Beatrice’s Goat

The story “Beatrice’s Goat” is written by Page McBrier and illustrated by Lori Lohstoeter. It talks about when a girl named Beatrice and her family, that’s in poverty, get a goat, Beatrice named it Mugisa. Soon after, Mugisa had two babies, and they were named Mulindwa and Kihembo. Beatrice had to make long trips back and forth from the river to get water for Mugisa’s produce, but she did it anyway, since it made them healthier. One day, Beatrice’s mother had good news: They have saved up enough money for school, and Kihembo (Surprise) would be sold for a large amount of money that would be enough to build a new house.

Education is important because lots of things in life require education. Education itself is helpful because it lets us learn new things and think about things differently. In the story, Beatrice’s mother prioritized education over other matters/affairs because it was important for her future, and possibly for her to escape poverty. In real life, Education matters not only because for the money that we earn in the future, but also for all the knowledge, jobs, hobbies, etc. Education matters for our future, and we could succeed. 

Having a way to get money instead of directly getting money from people is also important. No matter how much money we get, it will run out eventually, however, a way to get money could provide us with money. In the story, if the kindhearted people gave them money directly, it would run out, however, a goat would provide them with a source to earn money. In real life, it’s same thing, a long, constant supply of something is always better than getting a few of something directly. Getting a constant supply is always better than a few of something.

Helping the poor is important because some people in poverty just don’t have the education. And that doesn’t mean they deserve to be poor or in poverty. In the story, the goat (Musiga) provided Beatrice’s family with money, and they were able to afford education, which may have changed her life. In real life, education could change someone’s life, since with education, they could find a job and succeed in life. Giving someone in poverty money directly is not really enough to change their life, they probably need education or a source of income. 

In conclusion, education is very important because it can change someone’s life, and it lets us gain knowledge. Many regions are in poverty because of poor education, such as most parts of Africa. Family is also important because they always support us and provide us with everything we need.