I am Jane Goodall

Good series for introducing kids to people who they should be able to recognize later in life

Brad Meltzer has created an outstanding series of first biographies in his "Ordinary People Change the World" series and "I am Jane Goodall" is one of the best series' entries. It is a little book, but it is a towering portrayal of a great woman. Goodall's entire life story is revealed in the easy reading text and through Christopher Eliopoulos's delightful cartoons. Goodall went where no man or woman had gone before and in doing so she revolutionized biological science and the importance of primates in the great scheme of things. Easy-reading picture book biographies such as this excellent example help beginning readers move from ABC, counting books, and fairy tales to nonfiction and to chapter books. "I am Jane Goodall" cannot be praised too highly.

My step-daughter had the most wonderful idea for her baby shower. As she and her husband are established and well off financially, instead of "gifts" each guest was asked to bring to her shower a baby book in which they'd written a comment. As I'm a thousand miles away and couldn't attend that weekend, I scoured Amazon for "meaningful" baby books. I bought several, but this was my favorite. Being 64 years old, I well remember Jane Goodall's astonishing work. She was an amazing role model and she broke the mold in how she studied her chimpanzee troops. I am still breath-taken at the video of the baby chimpanzee's initiation of first-touch, his small finger reaching out to touch Jane's nose. This book is perfect. A surprisingly comprehensive, fun, well-written and excellent child's book. There will be horrific challenges for my grandchild's generation to attempt to save wildlife species from the damages we have done. Maybe this book will help to steer his life toward that protection.

I absolutely adore this series of books: the illustrations are sweet and cute, the stories are endearing and encouraging, they're not watered down or pandering to children but also not so complicated that kids can't understand. My daughter has many of these on her shelf and I will absolutely be buying more. Now on to the story of Jane, she is/was a very inspiring woman. She was courage and yes, some people may not agree with her methods but that's not for me to decide, she nonetheless can be an inspiration to young girls that want to achieve their dreams or explore the unknown.

I bought this for our grandsons (ages 3 1/2 & 6) in honor of "earth day" & Jane Goodall. I also made a point of reading it myself before dropping it off for them -- since I can't read it to them directly due to social distancing. The illustrations are visually appealing and the author incorporates information directly from JG's autobiographical writings. Having recently re-watched the National Geographic special on JG as well as a newer documentary that focuses on 3 pioneering female primatologists (including JG), I found this book to be genuine & authentic while still being accessible to very young children. I think it's extremely important to expose young boys (as well as girls) to profiles of females like JG who have managed to carve out unusual and independent career paths and who have had such a strong impact on environmental issues. Also, the next generation can only benefit by learning about humans who value their relationships with animals and nature as much (if not more than) their relationships with fellow humans. I hope to hear that the boys really enjoyed this book!

I heard a few radio interviews about this line of books. The author is really funny and he brings to light things we never knew about these famous figures. Jane Goodall is still around and advocating for animals and a great representation of what you can do in life. She didn't have the education or background to go do animal research. However, she did have the guts and the motivation to go for it and get that job. I'm glad there is a book that helps show kids, girls especially, that they can do amazing things with mainly the drive to do so. Also, it doesn't hurt that these books are illustrated by the Calvin and Hobbs cartoonist. Spoiler: You can spot one of them in the book! These bring back memories of reading the comics when I was little and now I can read these books to my little ones.

Love the engaging kid friendly story of a real life. Love the message about following her gut and your own... to look out for others, whether person, animal, or nature itself.

I bought this because we lost school library one so I bought it and was perfect and good quality for the school

Beautiful story, maybe a bit too mature for my 4.5 year old. She loved it, but it also caused us to discuss important but difficult topics: why were girls not being allowed to study / only allowed to be nurses? (why Jane did not want to be a nurse?) why would someone think chimpanzees do not have feelings? (all questions asked by my daughter). So this book does its job brilliantly, however I would not recommend below 4.5 years old, even better for a bit older children.

This book is perfect. I went to see Dr. Goodall speak in person, and this book tells her story exactly as she did. The book is also very cute (the illustrations, etc.) , and informative as well. I am a teacher, and cannot wait to use this with my students!

Tem informações importantes, excelente qualidade dos materiais, mas a história é informativa, não chega a ser um conto ou historinha divertida ou com fundo moral... mas importante para informação dos pequenos.

Un libro chulisimo para que los niños aprendan

Wonderful book. Tells her story and very well illustrated. Sure to capture the young readers attention.