Children's Book Review: Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780316045469
• ISBN-13: 978-0316045469 
• Buy now at Amazon.

Summary:

ME…JANE is beautiful and inspiring non-fiction about the amazing Dr. Jane Goodall. The book, by Patrick McDonnell (of MUTTS comics fame) focuses on the childhood of Dr. Goodall, who became one of the world’s foremost primatologists and environmentalists.  The prose is great for a shared read-aloud, and Patrick incorporates real photographs and sketches by Dr. Goodall.  The book shows how as a young girl, Jane was fascinated by nature and loved being outdoors.  She dreamed of a life living with, and helping, all animals – and one day made that dream come true!  The book ends with a short biography and a note to readers from the grown-up Jane Goodall herself. We have all fallen in love with this sweet book. 

My Review:

I have found the perfect book that will be enjoyed by both parents and children alike -- Me...Jane.  The author, Patrick McDonnell, tells the story of Jane Goodall as a young  girl and her childhood chimp, Jubilee.  We see early on the strong bond Jane had with animals and that she dreams of one day living with and helping animals.  The story itself is inspirational and lets readers know that they can dream big.  If you are dedicated and really want to see your dream come  true, it can happen.

The illustrations in the book were truly beautiful and just added to this touching book.  Like I said, both parents and children will love the story and illustrations.  We will definitely be reading this book for years to come. And, if you are an animal lover like me, you will just fall in love with this book.


About the Author:

Patrick McDonnell is a New York Times best-selling author. He received the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year in 1999, and Mutts was named Strip of the Year in 1997. A dedicated animal advocate and Genesis Award recipient, McDonnell regularly lends his talents to animal protection groups and issues, including the Humane Society of the United States, where he serves on the national board of directors. McDonnell was also recently elected to the board of directors of the Charles M. Schulz Museum. He is a native of New Jersey.


Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.