Me . . . Jane (Caldecott Honor Book) - by Patrick McDonnell (Hardcover)

About the Book

The "New York Times"-bestselling author of "The Gift of Nothing" presents an inspiring story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee. With anecdotes taken directly from Goodall's autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young. Full color.

Book Synopsis

A Caldecott Honor Book

Patrick McDonnell--beloved, bestselling author-artist and creator of the Mutts syndicated comic strip--shares the inspiring story of young Jane Goodall, the legendary and inspiring conservationist featured in the hit documentary film Jane.

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

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.

Review Quotes

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

"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 book is... inspirational."--The Horn Book, starred review

"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

"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

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

A 2012 Caldecott Honor BookA Charlotte Zolotow Award WinnerA Horn Book Fanfare BookA New York Times Best Illustrated Children's BookA New York Times Notable Children's BookA Booklist Editor's Choice BookA Kirkus Reviews Best BookA Kids' Indie Next List BookA 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 BookA National Parenting Publications Awards Gold WinnerA Booklinks Lasting Connections BookA 2014 Illinois Monarch Children's Choice Award WinnerA 2014 Iowa Goldfinch Book Award Winner

About the Author

Patrick McDonnell is the author and illustrator of many children's books including A Perfectly Messed-Up Story, The Monsters' Monster, The Gift of Nothing, Hug Time, and Me...Jane, a Caldecott Honor Book. He is also the creator of the internationally syndicated comic strip Mutts, which inspired his picture books The Gift of Nothing, Hug Time, and others. He lives in New Jersey.