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Jane Goodall
In this kids' biography, discover the inspiring story of Jane Goodall, whose work with chimpanzees changed the way we understand animals and ourselves.
Jane Goodall was a pioneer of primatology through her groundbreaking with chimpanzees in Africa. When she embarked on her career, women were discouraged from conducting scientific research, especially when that work meant living side by side with wild animals. Jane was a self-taught scientist, who bravely ventured out into the bush of Tanzania to discover the secret world of chimpanzees. Through perseverance and perceptive observation, she gained access to these elusive creatures and discovered that they are not so different from us.
This new biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting people. Full-color photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement thoughtfully written, age-appropriate text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, maps, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes this the one biography series every teacher and librarian will want to collect. Each book also includes an author's introduction letter, a glossary, and an index.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2019
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Libby Romero
42 books4 followersLibby Romero worked as a teacher and a journalist before dedicating herself to becoming an author.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 21, 2019
"Jane loved all of the flowers, birds, and insects that lived in the garden, but earthworms were her favorite. She loved them so much that she brought a bunch to bed with her one night and hid them under her pillow. So it was up to Vanne (her mother) to convince the tearful toddler that the worms would die if they weren't returned to their outdoor home in the garden." p. 12
Well written with student-friendly layout and design. I'd book talk in grades 2 through 5 and leave in the classroom library to be snatched up.
Romero, the author, is clearly aware of her audience of young readers (late 2nd grade and up?) as she weaves interesting facts/details throughout the book while also getting at the big ideas in Goodall's life - she persevered in her desire to go to Africa, she practiced tenacity in getting funding to do nonstop observation of the chimps, she was a ground breaker in what she discovered about chimps as primates--despite no professional training as a scientist, she shifted later in life from observing the chimps to advocating for them in numerous ways. Also - I had not idea what an important role Goodall's mother played in her work - she encouraged Jane to pursue her dreams and even accompanied Jane to do her initial research in the Gombe National Park (now in Tanzania).
The layout and design of the book is student-friendly with "Did you know?" sidebars and additional sidebars with definitions or other bits of wisdom that support a better understanding of the text. Photographs are framed in graphics. The end matter includes an illustrated timeline, who's who, glossary and fun little quiz. The book is in color--another strong point for getting students interested in reading nonfiction.
This is the second title in the DK Life Stories series that I've read. While the two titles are written by different authors, they are both consistent in their appeal. My only gripe is that there's not a note about the author's research which I think young children deserve. How did Romero learn about Goodall? A note from the author assures the reader of accuracy and authority. No bibliography or list of primary sources consulted either. If you read the small print on the acknowledgments page, there is a "DK would like to thank" and Dr. Dale Peterson is listed "for his expertise on Jane's life and work. This missing piece is not a deal breaker - I'd still recommend to students.
SUGGESTIONS FOR BOOK TALKING -
*Read aloud page 12 about the worms and share some of the photos of the chimps. This is sure to peak some child's interest!
*Read aloud the entire first chapter and share the picture of Jane at one years old with her stuffed toy, the chimp Jubilee.
I read this almost in one sitting - just enjoying for myself as well. Libby Romero writes for other series books. Look forward to reading more of her work.
Well written with student-friendly layout and design. I'd book talk in grades 2 through 5 and leave in the classroom library to be snatched up.
Romero, the author, is clearly aware of her audience of young readers (late 2nd grade and up?) as she weaves interesting facts/details throughout the book while also getting at the big ideas in Goodall's life - she persevered in her desire to go to Africa, she practiced tenacity in getting funding to do nonstop observation of the chimps, she was a ground breaker in what she discovered about chimps as primates--despite no professional training as a scientist, she shifted later in life from observing the chimps to advocating for them in numerous ways. Also - I had not idea what an important role Goodall's mother played in her work - she encouraged Jane to pursue her dreams and even accompanied Jane to do her initial research in the Gombe National Park (now in Tanzania).
The layout and design of the book is student-friendly with "Did you know?" sidebars and additional sidebars with definitions or other bits of wisdom that support a better understanding of the text. Photographs are framed in graphics. The end matter includes an illustrated timeline, who's who, glossary and fun little quiz. The book is in color--another strong point for getting students interested in reading nonfiction.
This is the second title in the DK Life Stories series that I've read. While the two titles are written by different authors, they are both consistent in their appeal. My only gripe is that there's not a note about the author's research which I think young children deserve. How did Romero learn about Goodall? A note from the author assures the reader of accuracy and authority. No bibliography or list of primary sources consulted either. If you read the small print on the acknowledgments page, there is a "DK would like to thank" and Dr. Dale Peterson is listed "for his expertise on Jane's life and work. This missing piece is not a deal breaker - I'd still recommend to students.
SUGGESTIONS FOR BOOK TALKING -
*Read aloud page 12 about the worms and share some of the photos of the chimps. This is sure to peak some child's interest!
*Read aloud the entire first chapter and share the picture of Jane at one years old with her stuffed toy, the chimp Jubilee.
I read this almost in one sitting - just enjoying for myself as well. Libby Romero writes for other series books. Look forward to reading more of her work.
May 3, 2023
This is a beautiful story about a young girl who'd devoted her life to study chimpanzees.
She gave them unique names like David Greybeard ,Flo,Flint
She was the first to find out that the chimpanzees used tools
I liked this book.
She gave them unique names like David Greybeard ,Flo,Flint
She was the first to find out that the chimpanzees used tools
I liked this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2021
Illustrated biography of the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees and who changed the way we look at the animal world.
She sounds a lot like me growing up: loving nature, animals, trees and books. Still do.
Footnote: 1) Since Mt. Ararat is between Asia and Africa both groups are right about the ordination of the human race since Noah’s three sons traveled from there into Africa, Asia and Europe. The Bible and science are not incompatible, they just present things differently.
She sounds a lot like me growing up: loving nature, animals, trees and books. Still do.
Footnote: 1) Since Mt. Ararat is between Asia and Africa both groups are right about the ordination of the human race since Noah’s three sons traveled from there into Africa, Asia and Europe. The Bible and science are not incompatible, they just present things differently.
March 16, 2022
This was a well-written and easy-to-understand biography that made for excellent bedtime reading. Kiddo (2nd grade) was VERY interested in it and in learning about Jane Goodall and the chimps she studied. They were somewhat distressed when we got to the 'dark years' chapters. Her husband dies of cancer, the chips have a war, and also there is discussion of chimps killing and eating infant chimps. If I'd read ahead, I would have skipped those bits.
February 18, 2024
Her determination and patience is so inspiring. Imagine a young woman boldly exploring a remote African rainforest which was populated with various kinds of dangerous animals just so she can observe and study chimpanzees. Her contributions to the field of ethology are undeniable. In fact, this book actually convinced me to watch her National Geographic documentary entitled, " Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees."
October 7, 2019
My ten-year-old daughter enjoyed this book. She felt like the book was so detailed she felt as thought she were right beside Jane. She liked the emotions that were shared. She thought it was interesting how people did not like how Jane named the monkeys as if they were her friends.
January 19, 2022
Nice concise overview of Jane Goodall’s life. Took me 45 mins to read.
December 31, 2022
Read for school and the kids loved. They now know a lot of chimp facts and recognize all the amazing things this empowering woman has done.
December 21, 2024
I loved it. There was all kinds of information, photos(Jane was/is a lovely woman) and there was even a test at the end. Keep those Jane Goodall books coming. Also, the chimps were very photogenic!
October 2, 2025
Great biography for a great person. Rest in peace Mrs Jane Goodall
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews