Joy Le Page Smith

The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places Joy Le Page Smith

This is a children's picture easy-to-read book for ages 4-6 and possibly 7-10. Through the experiences of Sib and Bill, twin yearling mountain goats, a child becomes engaged with their challenges. Sib, the mountain goat who is afraid to climb the high, rocky places does master his fears through perseverance and determination. He comes to know he was created to succeed and that he can do what he thought he could never achieve. The story portrays the hurt and harm bullying creates. Sib experiences this through his twin brother, Bill. Ultimately, healing comes to these two brothers as Bill, too, learns a lesson. He learns to say he is sorry and to ask to be forgiven for his hurtful behaviors. In the end the two become close friends, leaping on rocky, high cliffs and exploring the mountain tops. In hearing or reading of Sib's struggles, a child can see that letting go of fear, makes way for faith. And, faith, along with knowledge and hard work, are what allows Sib to conquer his persist struggles. A set of questions at the book's end allow parents to draw their children into conversation. The questions give children a chance to speak of troublesome experiences and of the feelings that occur. These questions hold potential for rich relating among family members. As parents listen and show compassion, the child feels accepted and cared about. This interplay may promote ways in which parents can help their children accept themselves right where they are in the midst of real or perceived struggles. In addition, these exchanges may offer a child the chance to find words to describe a situation in which he or she needs help or protection . . . yet, has felt unable to talk about. The story is intended to serve in these ways: 1) strengthen a reader's faith in one's abilities-those which our Creator has given, 2) increase the child's understanding, allowing insights as to how to deal with a bullying friend or family member, and 3) help a child overcome fears that can stymie life's happy experiences.