The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps [Hardcover]

Jeanette Winter (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: April 5, 2011 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 820L (What's this?)

Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter has found her perfect subject: Jane Goodall, the great observer of chimpanzees. Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates who are now in danger of extinction, and their habitat. Young animal lovers and Winter's many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life.

The Watcher was named a Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and the Bank Street College of Education.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Starred Review, Booklist, March 1, 2011:
“An author’s note rounds out this beautiful celebration of one of the world’s most influential animal advocates.”


Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2011:
“This gorgeous, accessible biography allows young readers to absorb the significance of Jane’s tireless research, her groundbreaking discoveries and important work protecting Africa’s land and animals."

About the Author

JEANETTE WINTER has written and illustrated almost 50 books for children, including Diego (a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, Parents' Choice Award winner, and Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies), Emily Dickinson's Letters to the World (New York Times Notable Book, Parents' Choice Silver Medal), The Librarian of Basra (ALA Notable Book), My Name Is Georgia (Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, ALA Notable, Booklist Editors' Choice), and Mama (Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, Society of Illustrators Silver Medal). Her art with flat colors and perspectives in the folk art tradition have brought her many honors.

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (April 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375867740
• ISBN-13: 978-0375867743
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 0.5 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Science & Technology
  • #38 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Apes & Monkeys

More About the Author

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BRAVA!!! May 23, 2011

By Elaine Compton Rodriguez

Format:Hardcover

Starting with the cover, Jeanette Winter's latest book is the product of a great illustrator at the top of her game. Her non-western style is a perfect match for this story set in Africa -- the shapes and colors perfectly evoke the jungle, with a feel that is both exquisitely primal and vibrant. And, starting with the title, the story very simply and matter-of-factly focuses a child's attention on what it means to be a "watcher," an observer. It's so important, in a picture book biography, that there be some over-arching metaphor which holds the story together -- as opposed to, "and then she did this, and then she did that." If you you're looking for a book which gets right to the heart of what makes Jane Goodall important, without trivializing it or talking down to its child readership, this one's for you. Brilliant work, Jeanette Winter!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a graceful tribute to Jane Goodall November 13, 2011

By Deborah Sandford

Format:Hardcover

This is an outstanding picture book biography about one of the world's most beautiful women. Who does not adore Jane Goodall and her tireless efforts to understand and bring to the rest of the world the hidden culture of chimpanzees? It's a wonderful character story to read to a child, and the bright and comely yet unobtrusive pictures will stir the reader's imagination. This book begs to be read again and again, not only for the lovely story, but to retake an occasion to reap and admire small treasures missed in the pictures the first time around. The author says, "I wish that when I was a little girl, I could have read about someone like Jane Goodall.... I've made this book for that little girl. Thank you Jeanette Winter. Suitable for classroom, library or personal ownership.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cute introduction to primatology, anthropology, and Goodall July 7, 2011

By Social Science PhD

Format:Hardcover

As an anthropologist, I got both "The Watcher" and "Me, Jane" for my 2-year-old daughter. "The Watcher" is quite a bit better - with more words and better vocabulary, the story introduces children to the basic concepts in primatology and anthropology. Winters' illustrations can be used to get children involved in watching too: Jane doesn't immediately see the chimps, who are hiding in the trees, and it's fun to ask my daughter to point them out and count them. One of the things I dislike about "Me, Jane" is that it jumps from little Jane dreaming about chimps to Goodall in the field, skipping the trouble, hardships, and work she had to put in to get from interested kid to adult researcher. "The Watcher" tells a surprisingly thorough (for a kids' book) story of Jane Goodall's life in a way that challenges younger readers but at the same time doesn't talk down to them.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars this won will win an award May 14, 2011

By Peter B Alderman

Format:Kindle Edition

Great story, gorgeous illustrations. My 3-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl both loved this book. After I read it the first time, they both wanted it again.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great May 29, 2013

By Kathy

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Nice book about Jane Goodall and the great work she is doing. Easy to read and great message. I would suggest this

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, my kids love it May 14, 2013

By D. Brinker

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book for my daughter's second birthday. While this book is meant for older children, both my daughter and my 4 year-old son love this book. We have been reading it almost every night for the last several weeks. The pictures are beautiful and interesting for young children (my kids love looking for all the chimps hiding in the trees). It is a simple story that my 4-year old can understand. I think this book will help inspire a love of nature and respect for animals in my children, and it provides an example of a strong, independent female role model for my daughter.

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book to read to kindergarten or early childhood. February 18, 2013

By C. Denise Swander

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love it! I was unable to find it in major book stores and was thrilled to find it online!

5.0 out of 5 stars My niece liked it February 17, 2013

By Lindsay

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Girl power! My niece loved the page full of monkies hiding in the trees. She enjoyed the story and will treasure it for many years.