Me…Jane

Me…Jane, by Patrick McDonnell

How did Jane Goodall grow up to live in Africa and study chimpanzees at the Gombe Stream Game Reserve (now Gombe Stream National Park)?

This is a wonderful picture book about Jane Goodall as a child — told simply, with fun, colorful illustrations.

When Jane was a young girl, she had a stuffed animal chimpanzee named Jubilee who went everywhere with her.  Jane loved to be outside, watching birds, animals, and insects.  She read books and learned all she could about the plants and animals around her.  For example, she and Jubilee hid in the chicken coop to watch the hens and discover where eggs came from.

“It was a magical world full of joy and wonder, and Jane felt very much a part of it.”

Jane climbed trees and explored outdoors.  She read books about the natural world, and about Tarzan of the Apes.

“Jane dreamed of a life in Africa, too…a life living with, and helping, all animals.”

And, Jane’s dream came true.

There is additional information about Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute, and Roots & Shoots program – with website addresses.  There also is a message from Jane Goodall encouraging everyone to do something to make the world a better place.

Me…Jane features McDonnell’s illustrations, as well as drawings that Jane Goodall created as a child.  Me…Jane is a Caldecott Honor Book.

Dr. Jane Goodall is known for her work with chimpanzees, and also as an environmentalist, humanitarian, and United Nations Messenger of Peace.   www.janegoodall.org

Patrick McDonnell is the creator of the Mutts comic strip and books  — www.muttscomics.com