Me... Jane

McDonnell, Patrick. 2011. ME... JANE. New York: Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316045469 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-2]

REVIEW

Told with simple text and beautiful watercolor illustrations, the story follows a young Jane Goodall and her stuffed toy chimpanzee, Jubilee, as she experiences the joy and wonders in the world around her. From discovering how a chicken lays an egg to listening to the sound of her own heart, the reader can experience the simple pleasures that are found in nature and all around us. The loving relationship between Jane and her stuffed friend is shown both in the illustrations by McDonnell as well as in the real photograph of Goodall on the title page. In this way the reader can feel as if they are being let into Jane Goodall’s life and memories, as if it is a special piece of her that only the reader gets to see.

What the writer of the book truly succeeds in doing is creating a sweet and beautiful story to go along with the stunning artwork that graces every page. Even the background images provide an insight into the thought process of each carefully planned out page. Readers are treated to a special inspiring message from Jane Goodall at the end of the book. She encourages everyone to make a difference whether it is something simple like recycling or something big like restoring a wetland. We all make an impact on the world around us.

CONNECTIONS

Children can create their own journals following the format of ME…JANE.

View videos about Jane Goodall and the work she does with chimpanzees.

RELATED BOOKS

Other books about Jane Goodall:

Lindeen, Mary. JANE GOODALL: FRIEND OF THE APES. ISBN 9781602702493

Winter, Jeanette. THE WATCHER: JANE GOODALL’S LIFE WITH THE CHIMPS. ISBN 9780375867743

By Jane Jergensen