The author, Jane Bregoli, and her children befriended the old woman and found that she was gentle and kind. When Bregoli's daughter asked her to paint a picture of the Goat Lady, the artist painted a series of portraits and eventually exhibited them in a local art museum.
The paintings helped others in the community to look past Noelie's mismatched clothes and odd ways and recognize her humble goodness.
"The Goat Lady tells the true story of a loving, kind, and generous woman who not only helped her neighbors, but also Heifer International. By giving us her extra baby goats, she helped us 'pass on the gift' to people in need. Heifer International has helped millions of people in over 70 countries over the years thanks to people like the Goat Lady who found a way to help those less fortunate than herself."
— Jim De Vries, Heifer International
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International Reading Association ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award, 2004, Humane Heroes
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