Me…Jane

By Patrick McDonnell
Picture book
Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2011
ISBN: 0316045462/ ISBN: 798-0316045469
Awards/Recognitions: *2012 Caldecott Honor *Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner *New York Times Notable Children’s Book *2011 Bank Street College Children’s Book Committee Outstanding Book

Me…Jane is warm and inspiring picture book biography about Dr. Jane Goodall’s childhood. Taking his inspiration from Dr. Goodall’s biography, author-illustrator Patrick McDonnell invites us to experience the wondrous imagination of a girl named Jane who spends her days climbing trees, observing nature, and helping animals. From an early age, we learn, Jane knew she would devote her life to helping animals. With her stuffed chimpanzee, Jubilee, ever by her side, Jane records and illustrates the world around her and fills her waking and dreaming with thoughts of Africa.

With simple, vivid language, Patrick McDonnell lets us peek into the world of Jane, a passionate girl devoted to following her dream from the beginning. Me…Jane is a book for wandering around in on a Sunday morning. Take all morning! Each read invites you to absorb the savory watercolor illustrations that express the artistic side of Jane and notice the 19^th Century engravings that reflect her devotion to science. Childhood photos of and artwork by Jane Goodall are also incorporated and help make this book a keepsake.

For every girl who keeps a diary under her pillow or a dream in her heart, there is Me…Jane. Every page invites readers to celebrate our planet and to listen the beating of their own hearts. GA