Me...Jane

Written & Illustrated by: Patrick McDonnell

Publisher: Little Brown and Company    Copyright Date: 2011  ISBN: 978-0-316-04546-9

Genre: Autobiography    Format: Picture Book 

Major Awards Received:

New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books, 2011
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
Parents' Choice Award, 2011 Silver Medal Nonfiction United States
Randolph Caldecott Medal, 2012

Summary: Jane Goodall was in inspiration to all who met her.  The fact that she knew that helping animals would make her happy at a very young age is something to be admired. Her desire to learn brought an awareness and love for the outdoors that the author shows in this book.

Personal response: Jane Goodall was always and inspirational figure for me.  Being told that her dream was almost impossible, made her that much more determined to pursue it.  The artwork in the book really tied the story together.  "The Aligator Society" page gives you a glimpse of how much time and effort she put into studying different animals. 

Classroom connections: Before reading the story, I would ask the class if they have ever heard of Jane Goodall.  If they have I would have those students share what they know, if they have not I would give them a brief introduction using the last pages of the book.  After that I would read the story to them, during which I would stop periodically to draw their attention to the illustrations.  I would go over the "The Aligator Society" page in detail with them pointing out that Jane was an avid reader and loved to investigate animals.  I would finish the lesson with them coloring a few pages from the website http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/patrickmcdonnell/activities.html.