Long ago, on Corisco Island, all animals roamed freely. Goat was wild and proud. He loved to jump over rocks and nibble on fresh grass, but he was never satisfied.
Goat often argued with other animals. He pushed Antelope aside while she grazed. He complained when Monkey shook fruits from the trees. Even Leopard grew tired of Goat’s noisy bleating.
One year, the rains stopped. Streams dried, and grass became brittle. Other animals searched for water and fresh leaves. Goat, however, was unhappy. “Why must I wander so far? There must be an easier life,” he said.
Soon, Goat saw the nearby villages. Gardens had cassava and yams. Smoke rose from cooking fires. Bowls of water sat near huts. Goat thought, “Maybe humans can give me comfort.”
He crept to the village. Children laughed and fed him cassava. Women brought him water. That night, Goat slept warm by the fire while the forest animals shivered outside.
Day after day, Goat visited humans. They fed him, and he followed them easily. Eventually, they tied a rope around his neck and led him to a pen. Goat was happy. He had food, water, and warmth. He no longer wandered the hills.
Even when other animals teased him for giving up freedom, Goat bleated happily, “Comfort is better than hunger!”
Moral of the Story: Comfort is not always worth giving up freedom.
Word Helper:
- Grazed – ate grass in the field.
- Brittle – hard and dry, easy to break.
- Crept – moved quietly.
- Pen – a small area to keep animals.
- Shivered – shook because of cold.
Summary for Parents/Teachers
This Corisco Island folktale teaches children about choices, consequences, and the value of freedom. Goat’s story shows how seeking comfort can sometimes come at the cost of independence. Young readers learn to reflect on decisions and understand that immediate rewards may have long-term trade-offs. The story also introduces children to village life and traditional crops such as cassava and yams, helping them connect with the cultural environment of West African islands. Parents and teachers can use the story to encourage conversations about making wise choices, respecting nature, and understanding human-animal relationships in folklore. The vivid imagery of the forest, the villages, and the animals’ interactions also supports listening and comprehension skills. Teachers may link this story to lessons about animals, ecosystems, and cultural heritage, showing children how folklore preserves traditional wisdom. The story can also help develop empathy by discussing how Goat’s choices affected other animals, prompting children to think about fairness and consequences.
Discussion Time:
Want to discuss this with your child? Here are some questions:
- Why did Goat leave the forest to live with humans?
- Do you think Goat made a good choice? Why or why not?
- How did the other animals feel about Goat’s decision?
- What would you do if you were Goat?
Classroom Activity:
Have students draw two pictures: one of Goat in the wild and one of Goat in the village. Then, ask them to compare which life they would prefer and why.
