Homeschool Reading Corner: The Goat in the Rug by Charles L. Blood & Martin Link

I said in a previous HRC post about how my oldest and I were studying the Native American's and the Pilgrims around Thanksgiving time, but how we learned about them separately because of historical inaccuracies.

The Goat in the Rug by Charles L. Blood & Martin Link (illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker) was a great book to read. It's told to us from the perspective of Geraldine, a goat. She details the process she and her friend, a Navajo weaver named Glenmae, go through to produce a special one of a kind rug.

First of all, I loved how the goat was the "author". And how she actively participated in the weaving process with Glenmae. It was good for my daughter to read because it showed her the value of different kinds of friendships, and how even the most unlikely "person" can play a big part in creating something unique and beautiful.

After reading this book it inspired us to do some research on the Navajo tribe. We learned a few words in the Navajo language, we looked in to how they create some of their pottery and dolls. We discussed the different types of housing and what the function of the different members of the tribe were. Hundreds of years ago as wel as today.

Again, it was a fun read and the illustrations were simple and cute. Very vibrant and colorful. I also enjoyed the picture glossary in the back that showed the supplies Glenmae used and gave what their purpose was.

I also liked it because it was a true story of a Navajo weaver who lived in the Navajo Nation at Window Rock, Arizona. They were able to take a real persons events and make them relatable to children. It was a great tool for learning and I loved it.

Goodreads Blurb:

Geraldine is a goat, and Glenmae, a Navajo weaver. One day, Glenmae decides to weave Geraldine into a rug. First Geraldine is clipped. Then her wool is spun into fine, strong yarn. Finally, Glenmae weaves the wool on her loom. They reader learns, along with Geraldine, about the care and pride involved in the weaving of a Navajo rug -- and about cooperation between friends.