The Goggle-Eyed Goats

Illustrated by Christopher Corr

Age Range: Baby to 5 years
Publisher: Andersen Press
Format: Paperback
Genre: Picture book
ISBN: 978-1849392938
Publication date: 1 March 2012
Print length: 32 pages
Dimensions: 24 x 0.4 x 28 cm
Curriculum Links: Africa, animals, deserts, family bonds, perseverance

Synopsis

Old Al Haji Amadu had three wives, seven children – and five extremely naughty goggle-eyed goats that munched and gobbled and chewed whatever they could find. One day, enough was enough, they had to go! But getting rid of these troublesome goats proved to be harder than Al Haji could ever have imagined…

Author’s note

“When I lived in Burkina Faso, my friend Hama entrusted his goats to me for a whole morning while he went to market. I took the goats on a long journey, using a crooked staff to shake seed pods down from the branches of acacia trees. I soon learned that goats are NAUGHTY! They eat stuff they’re not supposed to, and often run away. Never again!“

a painting of a naughty blue goat eating a pumpkin

Reviews

One of the best new picture books published this year
The book’s rumbustious, rhythmical feel for language, packed with internal rhymes, makes it a pleasure to read aloud, and the colourful pictures of the Amadu family and their surroundings have the unselfconscious charm of primitive art. One of the best new picture books published this year
The Times
Fab story, engages the little ones!
This is a great story, simply told but with engaging language and bright pictures. My nearly three year old loves it and joins in with retelling the story (a bonus early years curriculum link!) and counting animals in the pictures etc. A lovely bedtime story, a bit different from the usual offerings with authentic African names and places too.
Katie
Amazon reviewer
Colourful and playful story of a different culture
A lovely easy read that has my almost 3 year old captivated! Subtle rhymes and new names accompany the beautifully colourful and creative illustrations.
R. Kerns
Amazon reviewer
Joyful and dotty
How Old Al Haji Amadu tries to get rid of his five naughty goggle-eyed goats – and fails – is the ultimate triumph of pester power
Julia Eccleshare
Sunday Telegraph