Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees

by Sarah Albee, Gustavo Mazali (Illustrations)

Learn about the life of Jane Goodall, a pioneering scientist who became the world expert on chimpanzees, in this early reader biography. This I Can Read book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 5 to 7 who are ready to read independently. It’s a fun way to keep your child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children.



Jane Goodall was the first person to study wild chimpanzees up close in a rain forest. She befriended the chimps and discovered amazing facts about their behaviors. What she learned forever changed how people look at these animals.

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Jane Goodall’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and photos all about the life of this inspiring scientist.

This biography reader includes a timeline and historical photos all about the life of this inspiring figure.

Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Genres: Biography, Animals, Nonfiction, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2020

Reviews

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the balance of text to to artwork in this early reader. Young children will learn just enough about Jane Goodall to yearn for more. The back matter has a timeline of Jane’s life as well as more facts about chimpanzees and links to learn more.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Level 2 easy reader biography of Dr. Jane Goodall will introduce new readers to this famous scientist. In simple sentences, the reader will learn about the major milestones from her career and personal life. What is fascinating is that while she loved animals her whole entire life, she did not attend college until she was an established researcher and was allowed to study for her PhD. The story is illustrated with charming color drawings, but in the book extras there are both black and white and color photographs as well. The book extras include a timeline of her life, facts about chimpanzees, and information on how to access her foundation websites (Roots and Shoots and the Jane Goodall Institute) for more information.

Early elementary readers from grades 1-3 will appreciate the wealth of information in the easier reading format. The biographical information is thorough without being overwhelming for those looking for leisure reading, reading practice or research.

I would recommend this book for purchase to any school or public library. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[JayD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rather skimpy book introduces Jane Goodall, but doesn't say much about chimpanzees. Of the 23 pages, 9 are about little Jane's love of animals, 7 are about her time with chimpanzees in Tanzania (then called Tanganyika), and 7 are about her personal and philanthropic life. The 7 pages actually about chimpanzees do offer some interesting tidbits:

"One day, Jane saw a chimp make a tool out of a long stalk of grass.
He poked it into a termite mound.
Then he slurped up the termites.
Before that, people thought only humans made and used tools."

That leaves the parent or teacher to explain how you 'slurp termites' from a stalk of grass, and what a tool is. Here are Dr Goodall’s own notes (not from the book):

“By the termite hill were two chimps, both male . . . I could see a little better the use of the piece of straw. It was held in the left hand, poked onto the ground, and then removed coated with termites. The straw was then raised to the mouth and the insects picked off with the lips, along the length of the straw, starting in the middle.“

The illustrations are fine, but not memorable.

[Jacelyn Neuleib]

Jane Goodall is one of my favorite women in science and this biography does her justice. Jane grew up in the United Kingdom with a natural curiosity for observing animals. She was always scientific in her observations and taught herself how to be patient when watching wild animals and how to take field notes. She dreamed of visiting Africa until a friend invited her to visit Kenya. Once there, Jane met Dr. Louis who allowed her to observe chimps in the wild. Jane made several revolutionary discoveries, got married and had a child, and earned her PHD. Jane continued to support chimps by vying for better protection in the wild, giving inspiring speeches, and continuing to support research.

[Guadalupe Arcibar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great to show to the students about gorillas and nature in our planet. This book will make them get inspire about the nature and the animals that we have in our wild. They probably want to know about the different types of animals that live in the wild. Or make then want to go camping to experience nature jut like Jane did. Overall great book!

[Taylor Armey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book showing the life of Jane Goodall. It shows where she started off and everything she accomplished. This book talks about how interested she was in chimpanzees and her research on them. It talks about how Chimps are very similar to humans especially with their emotions and personalities. I love how this book has a biography and timeline in the back.

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice book to read along with your small child as they progress in reading for themselves. You will have to assist them as they come up on newer, less familiar words such as "chimpanzee".
This book only gives a brief overview of the life of Jane Goodall, but it is a good first introduction to her.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic beginning reader biography. Backmatter includes timeline, chimpanzee facts, suggested websites to learn more about Jane Goodall and environmental activism. Would pair well with The Watcher by Jeanette Winter and Me... Jane by Patrick McDonnell. Recommended for K-2

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Goodall loved animals as a child and had an opportunity to pursue her dream of going to Africa that led to a lifelong career.

[Jen Halupnik]

Nonfiction
Lexile Level: 550L
Grade Level: K-3

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid early reader biography, tells the story simply but well and has interesting illustrations. Recommended for ages 5-8.

[Trey Auntie Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
"I learned about Jane Goodall."

6 and I co-read.

[Evelyn Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love animals so much.I love to think that she helped them

[Brendon Hamacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter loved it (3 yrs old), enjoyed the drawings and also the pictures of Jane. Great read for kids!

[Sarah Julio · Rating 4 out of 5]

👩‍🔬🦍

[John of Canada · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on a Jane Goodall kick, and I'm reading everything I can find by and about her. This was a children's book and had nice little facts about Jane and some very good photographs. Fact check: There are no cougars in Africa. They are indigenous to the Americas.