Me . . . Jane (Mcdonnell, Patrick) [Hardcover]

Patrick McDonnell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 5, 2011 | Age Range: 1 and up | Series: Mcdonnell, Patrick | Lexile Measure: 740L (What's this?)

In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of "a life living with and helping all animals," until one day she finds that her dream has come true.

One of the world's most inspiring women, Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things.

With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall's autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young--and young at heart.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book

A Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner

A Horn Book Fanfare Book

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book

A New York Times Notable Children's Book

A Booklist Editor's Choice Book

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book

A Kids' Indie Next List Book

A 2011 Bank Street College Children's Book Committee Outstanding Book

A University of Wisconsin-Madison CCBC 2012 Children's Choices Book

A Parents' Choice Silver Honor Book

A National Parenting Publications Awards Gold Winner

A Booklinks Lasting Connections Book

"This remarkable picture book is one of the few that speaks, in a meaningful way, to all ages." (Booklist, starred review )

"McDonnell's book is... inspirational." (The Horn Book, starred review )

"Children will appreciate McDonnell's original format and take heart that interests logged in their own diaries might turn into lifelong passions." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review )

"McDonnell's skill as a cartoonist enables him to express Goodall's joy, wonder and satisfaction with a simple stroke of the pen." (New York Times )

"[A] tender homage... engaging... an appealing and satisfying introduction to a well-known scientist and activist." (School Library Journal )

"McDonnell's concentration on [Goodall's] childhood fantasies carries a strong message to readers that their own dreams--even the wildly improbable ones--may be realizable, too." (Publishers Weekly )

About the Author

Patrick McDonnell is the creator of the beloved internationally syndicated comic strip MUTTS, which features the characters that star in five of his children's picture books: Wag!, The Gift of Nothing, Just Like Heaven, South, and Hug Time. He is also the creator of Me . . . Jane, a Caldecott Honor Book and New York Times bestselling picture book biography of Dr. Jane Goodall, and has written and illustrated the award-winning picture book Art.

Patrick sits on the board of directors of the Humane Society of the United States. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Karen; their two formerly feral cats, MeeMow and Not Ootie; and their adopted terrier, Amelie. Patrick's website is www.muttscomics.com.

Product Details

• Age Range: 1 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316045462
• ISBN-13: 978-0316045469
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 0.5 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Mystery & Wonders
  • #13 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Apes & Monkeys
  • #27 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies

More 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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT AN INSPIRATIONAL AND WELL DONE WORK THIS IS! March 26, 2011

By D. Blankenship HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

I cannot remember the last time I picked up and read a children's book that grabbed and held my attention quite a firmly as this work. Perhaps it was the subject matter. Perhaps it was the simple declarative prose. Perhaps it was the whimsically executed art work. Perhaps it was the fact that it was about Jane Goodall herself. I suspect it is a combination of all these factors, but what ever it was, it certainly worked for me!

This is the story of Jane Goodall as a young girl presented in a way that is bound to appeal to the targeted age group of 4 to 8. It features Doctor Goodall as a little girl and her stuffed chimpanzee as (Jubilee) they begin an adventure which will take her on an amazing life adventure far, far from her home; an adventure that is continuing to this day.

We see the young Jane becoming more and more fascinated with the natural world around her as she investigates the "exotic" wildlife around her such as squirrels, barnyard chickens and birds. Her vivid imagination and natural curiosity shine through on every page and we are treated to a glimpse of the Jane to come.

The text here is simple....

"One day, curious Jane wondered
where eggs came from.

So she and Jubilee snuck into
Grandmas Nutt's chicken coop..."

While simple, it most certainly tells a story; a story of growth and of one that will enchant and inspire the wee ones just getting started.

The illustrations are beautifully done; simply yet extremely well executed and go perfect with the text. On each facing page the author/illustrator has featured lightly printed engravings of a bygone age behind the print on the page. This is extremely effective. We are also treated to a two page spread of copies of a "nature's notebook" made my Jane Goodall herself as a young girl which is absolutely fascinating.

I have always been a fan of Patrick McDonnell and I must say that even he has outdone himself with this work.

I cannot think of a better book to inspire young readers, both girls and boys, to dream and more importantly, reach for their dreams than the thin volume I have here before me.

On a personal note I must admit to you that I have been a Jane Goodall fan and follower since she began her remarkable career and inspiring work. My wife has always teased me in that she thinks I may have had a sort of school boy crush of Ms. Goodall...perhaps she is right.

I very much recommend this work and it most certainly should be on the shelves of every child's library and in all school libraries.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated March 12, 2011

By Laura Robles

Format:Hardcover

I love everything Patrick McDonnell does. If you are a fan of Mutts you will enjoy Me...Jane.
It's the story of Jane Goodall as a young girl and her stuffed animal monkey. McDonnell draws her monkey as if he is alive. It reminded me of Calvin and Hobbs in that way. But all kids see their animals as real. I know I did. The illustrations are so lovely. I teared up at the end. I recommend it to all animal lovers.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from Books That Heal Kids April 25, 2011

By Books That Heal Kids

Format:Hardcover

As a school counselor I am always looking for inspiring books to encourage kids to follow their dreams. I am so head over heels for Me...Jane as were the students. The illustrations are darling. This was my chosen read for Earth Day last week. Yep, I even read it to the 5th graders and they were so engaged as they listened to Jane's dream to one day go to Africa and live a life helping animals. Then on the last page comes a REAL photograph of Jane Goodall living out this dream. GASP went the kids. The kind of gasp I love. Yes, dream big! In a time of state testing and constant assessments it's a breath of fresh air to read such an encouraging uplifting TRUE story. I want kids to remember there is nothing wrong with having a dream of doing something special with their lives.