“Hooray for Goats” by Mary Burruss

06.2025

“Hooray for Goats” is a perfect summer reading volume for the wee ones. Written by Richmond author, Mary Burruss, and illustrated by Wendy Daniel, the story, and one of its main characters, was inspired by Richmond’s own “goat lady,” Kristi Orcutt, owner of RVA Goats and Honey, who introduced the region to “goatscaping,” the eco-friendly method of removing invasive plants. It’s the natural method: No toxic herbicides are used, and the goat’s digestive tract sterilizes all seeds and any other reproductive plant matter.

Mary’s story centers around Keisha, a young girl who feels out of place in her new suburban home until a herd of goats arrives, clearing the overgrown yard around her family’s house, and bringing the entire community together. 

The book introduces young readers to goatscaping, and what they can do to help protect our fragile biosphere from the ravages of poisonous herbicides which are responsible for the decimation of countless organisms and the destruction of entire ecosystems.

“I think it’s important for children and their parents to know that there are ways to solve problems and be earth-friendly at the same time,” says the author. “And what better way to introduce those ideas than with a fun story about goats?” 
Copies of this book are available at Shelf Life, Book People, Crossroads Art Center, Laurie Holliday Interiors in Gordonsville, as well as Barnes & Noble. Or you can order a copy online at https://www.amazon.com/Hooray-Goats-Mary-Burruss/dp/B0F68WCFDQ