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Me . . . Jane Hardcover – Picture Book, April 5, 2011
Purchase options and add-ons
Patrick McDonnell—bestselling author-artist and creator of the beloved MUTTS comic strip—shares the inspiring story of young Jane Goodall, the legendary and inspiring conservationist featured in the hit documentary film Jane.
★ "This remarkable picture book is one of the few that speaks, in a meaningful way, to all ages." —Booklist, starred review
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 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.
Don't miss these other picture books by Patrick McDonnell:
Me…Jane
The Gift of Nothing
The Gift of Everything
Art
Hug Time
Tek
The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way)
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story
The Monsters’ Monster
- Print length40 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Lexile measureAD740L
- Dimensions9.65 x 0.5 x 8.55 inches
- PublisherLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication dateApril 5, 2011
- ISBN-100316045462
- ISBN-13978-0316045469
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Shine!
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A Perfectly Messed-Up Story
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The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way)
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Thank You and Good Night
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Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars 41
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4.7 out of 5 stars 571
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4.8 out of 5 stars 193
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4.7 out of 5 stars 103
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4.8 out of 5 stars 75
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4.6 out of 5 stars 158
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Price | $16.75$16.75 | $15.50$15.50 | $8.79$8.79 | $7.43$7.43 | $14.00$14.00 | $13.86$13.86 |
More from award-winning author-illustrator Patrick McDonnell, creator of the comic strip MUTTS | With stunning art from Naoko Stoop, SHINE teaches readers about the beauty in the world around them, and within themselves. | A perfect story about imperfections, this engaging read-aloud illustrates that everything is fine, even when it's a little messed-up. | Tek is a caveboy obsessed with his digital devices. But in this hilarious, tablet-shaped book, can he reconnect with the real world? | This gift is everything and nothing, all wrapped up in a board book package—the perfect present! | Get ready for an absolutely awesome alphabetical adventure, full of energy from A to Z! | A delightful bedtime book that pays tribute to classic stories, all while recognizing the small pleasures we have to be thankful for. |
Editorial Reviews
Review
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
A 2014 Illinois Monarch Children's Choice Award Winner
A 2014 Iowa Goldfinch Book Award Winner
* "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
"A singular creation, one that does both its author and its subject proud."―School Library Journal
About the Author
Patrick McDonnell’s beloved and award-winning comic strip, MUTTS, has appeared in over 700 newspapers across 20 countries for 30 years. Charles Schulz called it “One of the best comics strips of all time.” Patrick is the author of several New York Times bestselling picture books, including The Gift of Nothing, and the Caldecott Honor winning Me...Jane. Both have been adapted as musicals for the Kennedy Center stage. Other children’s books include Hug Time, A Perfectly Messed-Up Story, The Monsters’ Monster, and Thank You and Goodnight. Patrick was a member of the Board of Directors of The Humane Society of the United States for 18 years and currently serves on the boards of The Charles M. Schulz Museum and D&R Greenway Land Trust. He lives in New Jersey.
Product details
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; First Edition (April 5, 2011)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 40 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0316045462
- ISBN-13 : 978-0316045469
- Reading age : 2 - 6 years, from customers
- Lexile measure : AD740L
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 9.65 x 0.5 x 8.55 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #50,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Patrick McDonnell’s comic strip, MUTTS, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, having appeared in over 700 newspapers across 20 countries. MUTTS has received numerous awards for its artistry and its animal and environmental themes. These include the NCS Reuben for Cartoonist of the Year, seven Harveys and the Eisner Humanitarian Award. Charles Schulz called MUTTS “One of the best comics strips of all time.”
BREAKING THE CHAIN: THE GUARD DOG STORY, a collection of his newsworthy story centered freeing MUTTS chained dog, Guard Dog, will be published in fall 2024.
McDonnell’s latest book is THE SUPER HERO’S JOURNEY, a graphic novel love letter to Marvel Comics and Jack Kirby. It was on 11 ‘best of’ lists for 2023.
THE ART OF NOTHING, an oeuvre of McDonnell’s work, comprehensively celebrates Patrick’s comic strip career. McDonnell is also the author of New York Times bestselling picture books, including THE GIFT OF NOTHING and the Caldecott Honor winning ME...JANE (a childhood biography of Dr. Jane Goodall). Both have been adapted as musicals for the Kennedy Center stage. In addition, he has collaborated with spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle on GUARDIANS OF BEING and with poet Daniel Ladinsky on DARLING I LOVE YOU. HEART TO HEART: A CONVERSATION ON LOVE AND HOPE FOR OUR PRECIOUS PLANET is a collaboration with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His Holiness has said “It is my hope that this book will open the eyes, minds and hearts of all people.”
In 2021, Ohio State University hosted Side Effects, a major exhibition of his large scale canvases. There will be a year-long retrospective of McDonnell’s comic strips, book illustrations and paintings at the San Diego Comic-Con Museum opening in January 2025.
McDonnell was a member of the Board of Directors of The Humane Society of the United States for 18 years as well as The Fund for Animals, and continues to serve as a director for The Charles M. Schulz Museum and D&R Greenway Land Trust.
You can sign up to receive the daily MUTTS comic strip on the MUTTS website.
Customer reviews
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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be an inspiring story about Jane Goodall's childhood, featuring beautiful childlike drawings and stuffed friend Jubilee. The book is well-written and easy to read, making it a great read for children, particularly those interested in animals. They appreciate how it teaches respect for animals and our environment, and one customer notes it serves as a fantastic introduction to the biography genre.
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Customers love the story of this book, describing it as a little gem and an inspiring tale for young readers.
"...This is an excellent addition to the book both for it's value to the story and as an example for kids to use drawing as a way to express their..." Read more
"...non stop noise, razzle dazzle and bling, this little book is a lovely respite...." Read more
"...McDonnell creates a compelling and heartwarming design and gives his child reader a gratifying origin story for a great heroine...." Read more
"Love this book. Very interesting and the illustrations are lovely. Loved reading about the beginning of Jane's life. For ANIMAL lovers...." Read more
Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations in the book, which feature childlike drawings of animals and a stuffed friend named Jubilee.
"What an enchanting book! Patrick McDonnell's charming illustrations are at their best, and he tells the story of an inquisitive child turning her..." Read more
"...It shows the world through the quite, thoughtful, curious point of view of a sensitive, smart and determined little girl who pursued her..." Read more
"...The illustrations in this book layer childlike drawings, painting quality scenes, and field guide style watermarks that serve to add excitement and..." Read more
"Love this book. Very interesting and the illustrations are lovely. Loved reading about the beginning of Jane's life. For ANIMAL lovers...." Read more
Customers find this book great for children, with a reading level suitable for little ones, and one customer notes it's particularly effective for teaching literary nonfiction.
"...to express their observations of life around them. A great read for any child, this book encourages them to follow their inherently creative,..." Read more
"...thoughtful, curious point of view of a sensitive, smart and determined little girl who pursued her interests and left her mark on the world's..." Read more
"...Very interesting and the illustrations are lovely. Loved reading about the beginning of Jane's life. For ANIMAL lovers...." Read more
"Nice images, kid friendly language. Well written. My daughter loved the story." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring, particularly appreciating its message about chasing dreams and how it serves as a great introduction to the biography genre.
"...It's a wonderful tribute to Jane Goodall, of course, and any adult who respects her work would enjoy it as well." Read more
"I was so pleased to find this little book about one of the most remarkable women of our time written for children, especially little girls...." Read more
"Me Jane is such an endearing story, and fantastic introduction into the early life of this acclaimed woman...." Read more
"...little girls but there's no reason boys wouldn't love it too .Jane is an amazing woman, who was once a very curious little girl." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it well composed and easy to read, with one customer noting that the text is not too long.
"...of an inquisitive child turning her dreams into reality in simple but touching language...." Read more
"Nice images, kid friendly language. Well written. My daughter loved the story." Read more
"...SHe is 15 months old and for some reason just loves the story. It's pretty basic, so it is a good read even for a small child, but is still a great..." Read more
"It’s a simple book, but it’s one my two year old asks for again and again. She likes to look for the monkey on each page...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's focus on animals, with several mentioning their love for them, and one noting how it teaches respect and admiration for them and our environment.
"...'re curious about, as well as to foster a love and respect for animals and our environment...." Read more
"...Loved reading about the beginning of Jane's life. For ANIMAL lovers...." Read more
"...a gift for my daughter's friend, a 4 year old that loves books and loves animals...." Read more
"...She also enjoys the other animals and then seeing Jane grow up...." Read more
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Deserves a spot in your collection
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2011What an enchanting book! Patrick McDonnell's charming illustrations are at their best, and he tells the story of an inquisitive child turning her dreams into reality in simple but touching language. What's more, is that he incorporates Jane's actual sketches from childhood into the story! This is an excellent addition to the book both for it's value to the story and as an example for kids to use drawing as a way to express their observations of life around them.
A great read for any child, this book encourages them to follow their inherently creative, inquisitive instincts to find answers to anything they're curious about, as well as to foster a love and respect for animals and our environment. It's a wonderful tribute to Jane Goodall, of course, and any adult who respects her work would enjoy it as well.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2015I was so pleased to find this little book about one of the most remarkable women of our time written for children, especially little girls. In this culture so iced over with materialistic pop media divas, super human heroines, non stop noise, razzle dazzle and bling, this little book is a lovely respite. It shows the world through the quite, thoughtful, curious point of view of a sensitive, smart and determined little girl who pursued her interests and left her mark on the world's consciousness though her life's work. I wish it had been a little longer, had more information about Jane and her experiences, but I think it will be a meaningful affirmation for another little girl I know who also loves animals, is very curious and very determined.
( I liked the illustrations too!)
- Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020Me Jane is such an endearing story, and fantastic introduction into the early life of this acclaimed woman. My daughter asks for this book over and over and I’m so happy to see it offer her a real and capable role model. The relatable little protagonist and her stuffed friend Jubilee are charming, and their story is engaging and wholesome. The illustrations in this book layer childlike drawings, painting quality scenes, and field guide style watermarks that serve to add excitement and depth to the voice of the story. McDonnell creates a compelling and heartwarming design and gives his child reader a gratifying origin story for a great heroine.
It is surely a book deserving a place in any little girls(or boys) collection.
5.0 out of 5 starsMe Jane is such an endearing story, and fantastic introduction into the early life of this acclaimed woman. My daughter asks for this book over and over and I’m so happy to see it offer her a real and capable role model. The relatable little protagonist and her stuffed friend Jubilee are charming, and their story is engaging and wholesome. The illustrations in this book layer childlike drawings, painting quality scenes, and field guide style watermarks that serve to add excitement and depth to the voice of the story. McDonnell creates a compelling and heartwarming design and gives his child reader a gratifying origin story for a great heroine.Deserves a spot in your collection
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020
It is surely a book deserving a place in any little girls(or boys) collection.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2021Love this book. Very interesting and the illustrations are lovely. Loved reading about the beginning of Jane's life. For ANIMAL lovers. I've given this book to many little girls but there's no reason boys wouldn't love it too .Jane is an amazing woman, who was once a very curious little girl.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2023Nice images, kid friendly language. Well written. My daughter loved the story.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2018This is a beautiful book that honors the childhood of Jane Goodall. It is simple and dreamy. The only problem with it is that the author did not put any emphasis on Goodall’s hard work and focus as a young adult to achieve what she did. It simply states that she dreamed of working with animals, was interested in animals as a child, and then *poof* woke up to that dream as an adult. As an educator and a parent, I would have liked to see more focus put on her hard work to make such a difference.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2015This book is awsome! It's such a sweet story, and because originally I checked it out from the library on a whim I didn't realize until the end that it was about Jane Goodall. I ended up buying it because my daughter who was 9 months old at the time really really loved this book. SHe is 15 months old and for some reason just loves the story. It's pretty basic, so it is a good read even for a small child, but is still a great story overall. The illustrations are awesome, and the underlying message about following your dreams is a timeless one.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2018It’s a simple book, but it’s one my two year old asks for again and again. She likes to look for the monkey on each page. Her favorite page is one where Jane contemplates life and nature around her “it was a magical world and Jane felt very much a part of it...she could feel her own heart beating, beating, beating”. My child puts her hand to her chest and feels for her own heartbeat. It’s such a simple way to get kids to tune into their surroundings and contemplate nature around them. Bonus that it’s about the real Jane Goodall and features some of her drawings as a child.
Top reviews from other countries
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Faudot MurielleReviewed in France on October 31, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Emouvant
Une vie au milieu des grands singes, le rêve. Merci Jane !
- K. RoyReviewed in Germany on May 17, 2015
3.0 out of 5 stars Picture book. Not much text - pretty pictures
Jane had a stuffed toy chimpanzee named Jubilee (first page). She cherished Jubilee and took him every where she went. And Jane loved to be outside (picture on the right side). She watched birds making their nests, spiders spinning their webs, and squirrels chasing one another up and down trees (picture on the right side). Jane learned all that she could about the animals and plants she studied in her backyard and read about in books (picture on the right side). One day, curious Jane wondered where eggs came from. So she and Jubilee snuck into Grandma Nutt's chicken coop (picture on the right side). Hide behind some straw, stayed very still (picture on the right side). .. and observed the miracle (picture on the right side). It was a magical world full of joy and wonder, and Jane felt very much a part of it (picture on the ride side). Jane often climbed her favorite tree, which she named Beech. She would lay her cheek against its trunk ans seem to feel the sap flowing beneath the bark (picture on the right side). Jane could feel her own heart, beating, beating, beating (picture on the right side). With the wind in the hair, she read and reread the books about Tarzan and the Apes, in which another girl, also named Jane, lived in the jungles of Africa (picture on the right side). Jane dreamed of a life in Africa, too... (picture on the right side). A life with, and helping, all animals (pictures on both sides). At night Jane would tuck Jubilee into bed, say her prayers, (picture on the right side) ... and fall asleep (picture on the right side) ...to wake one day... (picture on the right side) ... to her dream come true (photo of Jane chacking hands with a small chimpanzee)...
- Squeak 'n BananaReviewed in Canada on September 20, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars Mutt I suggest, Me... Jane
Who would have thought that a picture book could be both a bedtime story and inspirational biography? In the hands of Patrick McDonnell, comic creator of Mutts, this picture book is sure to become a classic for readers of all ages.
The title is a clever play on, "Me Tarzan, You Jane." Me...Jane tells the story of Jane Goodall as a little girl and her toy gorilla, Jubilee. Jane loves the outdoors and dreams from an early age of being able to help animals. McDonnell brings the world of young Jane to life in a wonderful combination of his drawings, antique bookplate illustrations, photographs, and even some of Goodall's own drawings. Me...Jane is a captivating read, and the image at the end with Jane Goodall waking up to her dream come true is perfect.
- DoolaReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 29, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Jane Goodall for youngsters..wonderful!
Jane Goodall and her scientific research in Africa was a childhood inspiration and hero for me. How thrilled I was to discover this delightful picture book aimed at young children to introduce them to this amazing lady and her accomplished life. The illustrations are just gorgeous and right at the very end instead of an illustration there is a photo of Jane Goodall reaching out her hand to a chimpanzee and the reader discovers that the story is about a real person...it's such a wonderful moment !
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Beatrix KiddoReviewed in Spain on June 23, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Para fanáticos de Jane Goodall con hijos o sin hijos
Lo he comprado para mi bebé de 15 meses pero creo que lo voy a guardar para cuando sea mayor por dos motivos: es precioso, de esos libros que han de perdurar; las hojas no son resistentes y no creo que llegaran a los dos años. Es un libros sencillo, pero que muestra con encanto cómo surgió la pasión por los primates de esta maravillosa mujer. Incluye dibujos de su infancia. Es una joya.