The Goat in the Rug

This is a very childlike book in its thinking, but oh so charming! The illustrations are so cute, and tell the story as well as the words. Geraldine, the goat, tells the story of how she became a Navajo weaver’s rug, taking the reader from shearing, through dying, and weaving a rug, all with Geraldine watching her hair become a rug.It is such a fun way to present a culture, a process, and a section of our land which is the Navajo reservation. Be sure to note Window Rock in the background of the illustrations. I also think children enjoy hearing a story in first person—especially a goat!

When I was a docent at the Museum of Northern Arizona, we used this book as the basis of a puppet show to teach children about the Dene (Navajo), their weaving, and their relationship with their animals. You'll also learn about goat personality (a Carl Sandburg quote: "A goat sidles up beside you and gives you a look as if to say, 'Ain't life grand'?") This story is amusing, heartwarming, and educational. I have given it to my children, their children, and their children. (As for the relationship with their animals, the Museum also has photos taken when the federal government decided the Dene/Navajo had too many animals on their reservation, and sent soldiers in to shoot them all. In those particular photos are the grandmothers embracing, crying out, and weeping over their dying animals.) But this book, while speaking to this bond between the Dene/Navajo and their animals, is lighthearted, and your children (and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) will love it as much as mine do. (Also add these wondrous books to their library: Silverstein's  The Giving Tree 40th Anniversary Edition Book with CD  or  The Giving Tree  and Joosse's  Mama, Do You Love Me? . I've also bought the doll that goes along with Joosse's book  9" Mama, Do You Love Me? Plush  ).

Culturally informative and fun story. The kids enjoyed that it was told by the goat.

I first saw this book while on vacation at Grand Canyon National Park. It was on display next to a handmade Navajo rug woven by a young girl. Although the book was not for sale, I remembered the title of the book and vowed to find it. Amazon has just about EVERYTHING and of course, The Goat in The Rug was available for purchase. The story told by Geraldine, the goat, is hilarious as she follows Glenmae through the process of creating the rug. Geraldine is just like a kid which makes her easy for a child to relate too (as well as a grown adult)! I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves learning and enjoys a laugh. My favorite book, hands down!

Great book on weaving. I used this book to introduce weaving to elementary students and it works so well for that.

This was my favorite book as a child growing up in the 70s. I’ve purchased it for every friend who has had kids over the years. We all love it, an absolute delight!

I love this book. It is a great way to introduce the world of fiber and weaving to young children. I gave this to my friends children and they loved it.

I was given this book and immediately ordered two more for gifts.This is based on a real Navajo weaver and her goat.The story and pictures are an absolute delight.My friend weaves and learns from Navajo weavers and she just became a grandmother twice.This is a perfect way to teach a small child what weaving is, where it comes from, and here, in the SW, a little aboutour native neighbors.I have a favorite picture page which goes straight to my heart. You can't not love this book

Great little book. got it to accompany a weaving workshop and it was a quick read with nice illustrations for the primary age group.