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The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps
Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter has found her perfect Jane Goodall, the great observer of chimpanzees. Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates who are now in danger of extinction, and their habitat. Young animal lovers and Winter's many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life.
The Watcher was named a Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe , Kirkus Reviews , Booklist , and the Bank Street College of Education.
From the Hardcover edition.
The Watcher was named a Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe , Kirkus Reviews , Booklist , and the Bank Street College of Education.
From the Hardcover edition.
48 pages, Library Binding
First published April 5, 2011
51 people are currently reading
2234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 374 reviews
March 27, 2018
I’ve loved chimpanzees since I was a child.
Whenever I even hear - or see the name *Jane Goodall* - the British primatologist- it’s impossible to not immediately identify her with chimpanzees. Is there any other person more famous — more of an expert on them? If there is - I don’t know ‘their’ name.
I took a look at this book for my own guilty pleasure. I would be happy to purchase this for my friends child. It shows how chimpanzees are similar to humans. The book inspires a love of nature and respect for animals.
Centered around Jane’s personal story - kids experience Jane’s love for animals as a child - and ‘her story’ of how she saved her own money so she could take a boat Africa when to study the chimps.
I think what’s great about the illustrations- is that we are suppose to ‘look closely’ ....BE THE WATCHER.
Jane doesn’t see the chimpanzees right away ( they were hiding behind a tree) - the illustrations are a good way to have discussions with a child. What do we observe when out walking with a child —-there are many ‘WATCHER’ observing games a parent can play with a child.....with the trees - dogs sharing the trail - etc. This book stimulated my own observant - third eye.
And I’m hiking today. I’ll be ‘watching’.
So, yep....I enjoyed this Biography for young readers - suggested for ages 4-8.
And .... would definitely choose this book to give as a gift.
Whenever I even hear - or see the name *Jane Goodall* - the British primatologist- it’s impossible to not immediately identify her with chimpanzees. Is there any other person more famous — more of an expert on them? If there is - I don’t know ‘their’ name.
I took a look at this book for my own guilty pleasure. I would be happy to purchase this for my friends child. It shows how chimpanzees are similar to humans. The book inspires a love of nature and respect for animals.
Centered around Jane’s personal story - kids experience Jane’s love for animals as a child - and ‘her story’ of how she saved her own money so she could take a boat Africa when to study the chimps.
I think what’s great about the illustrations- is that we are suppose to ‘look closely’ ....BE THE WATCHER.
Jane doesn’t see the chimpanzees right away ( they were hiding behind a tree) - the illustrations are a good way to have discussions with a child. What do we observe when out walking with a child —-there are many ‘WATCHER’ observing games a parent can play with a child.....with the trees - dogs sharing the trail - etc. This book stimulated my own observant - third eye.
And I’m hiking today. I’ll be ‘watching’.
So, yep....I enjoyed this Biography for young readers - suggested for ages 4-8.
And .... would definitely choose this book to give as a gift.
July 8, 2017
I love Jane Goodall and her entire story and it's one that needs to be heard. This book starts out in her childhood and illustrates her story into adulthood. Children will enjoy reading about her ambition and also how important it is to care about our animal wildlife.
I love that this book is a quick, educational read for kids to learn about Jane Goodall and what she stands for.
5*****
I love that this book is a quick, educational read for kids to learn about Jane Goodall and what she stands for.
5*****
September 23, 2017
"I wish that when I was a little girl, I could have read about someone like Jane Goodall—a brave woman who wasn't afraid to do something that had never been done before. So now I've made this book for that little girl, who still speaks to me."—Jeanette Winter
I grew up watching documentaries about Goodall and Fossey circa the early 80s, when all their research garnered recognition and praise. I just can't remember if I was a "watcher" like Jane or Dian before or after. I just know I've always admired them!
My grandparents remember not being able to find me one afternoon when I was about 6, until they checked the backyard. There I was in a corner of Gypsy's (their massive Great Dane/German Shepard mix) doghouse watching her nurse her two-day old puppies. Everyone was both awed and scared to approach because Gypsy, usually docile and happy-go-lucky, had turned a bit scary and overprotective when her babies arrived. She even allowed me to hold them after a few of these visits.
As I read this book this evening, I couldn't help but laugh because I visited my grandfather this afternoon, and he told me about a group of juvenile kittens and their mom that had taken up residence in a shed in the same backyard, but would scatter when anyone approached. I took a book and sat in front of the shed not saying a word. An hour later, my mom came to check on us, and there I was surrounded by 4 kittens! Naturally curious, they gradually came closer and closer to me! I came home wondering how many more visits before they allow me to pet them. Sometimes you think you outgrow things, but you don't! Animals and insects have always fascinated me. So what a perfect read at the perfect time!
I grew up watching documentaries about Goodall and Fossey circa the early 80s, when all their research garnered recognition and praise. I just can't remember if I was a "watcher" like Jane or Dian before or after. I just know I've always admired them!
My grandparents remember not being able to find me one afternoon when I was about 6, until they checked the backyard. There I was in a corner of Gypsy's (their massive Great Dane/German Shepard mix) doghouse watching her nurse her two-day old puppies. Everyone was both awed and scared to approach because Gypsy, usually docile and happy-go-lucky, had turned a bit scary and overprotective when her babies arrived. She even allowed me to hold them after a few of these visits.
As I read this book this evening, I couldn't help but laugh because I visited my grandfather this afternoon, and he told me about a group of juvenile kittens and their mom that had taken up residence in a shed in the same backyard, but would scatter when anyone approached. I took a book and sat in front of the shed not saying a word. An hour later, my mom came to check on us, and there I was surrounded by 4 kittens! Naturally curious, they gradually came closer and closer to me! I came home wondering how many more visits before they allow me to pet them. Sometimes you think you outgrow things, but you don't! Animals and insects have always fascinated me. So what a perfect read at the perfect time!
April 16, 2018
Jane Goodall was in town the other day so I ordered this book from the library, a fine picturebook introduction to her work with chimpanzees and emphasizing the importance of watching, observing the world in order to begin to ask questions in order to understand it.
"I wanted to learn things no one else knew, uncover secrets. . ."
So she went to Kenya, she worked for primatologist Louis Leakey. She lived among the apes, and learned things about chimps no one knew, secrets. She learned how much we have in common with these other animals. Beautifully illustrated.
Goodall makes it clear that you don't have to be brilliant to be add to the knowledge-base in this world. You just have to have deep curiosity about things and be willing to watch, to keep your eyes open and jot down what you see and share it with others with a similar curiosity and commitment. That kinda sounds like how science and becoming a scientist begins.
"I wanted to learn things no one else knew, uncover secrets. . ."
So she went to Kenya, she worked for primatologist Louis Leakey. She lived among the apes, and learned things about chimps no one knew, secrets. She learned how much we have in common with these other animals. Beautifully illustrated.
Goodall makes it clear that you don't have to be brilliant to be add to the knowledge-base in this world. You just have to have deep curiosity about things and be willing to watch, to keep your eyes open and jot down what you see and share it with others with a similar curiosity and commitment. That kinda sounds like how science and becoming a scientist begins.
October 30, 2022
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps was first published in 2011, and is quite a long picture book at 48 pages, covering a lot of information about Jane Goodall’s life, and also touching on conservation issues. A picture book about Jane Goodall, the primatologist whose work has proved to be so groundbreaking, has to be worth a look. This one is by Jeanette Winter, an acclaimed picture book biographer who has written and illustrated almost 50 books for children, and won many awards.
Jeanette Winter begins by telling us about Jane’s childhood in London, watching a robin on her windowsill, and reading about Dr. Dolittle talking to the animals. She too wants to talk to the animals, and spends her childhood observing all sorts of animals, and dreaming of Africa. After school she works and saves up so she can buy a ticket to Kenya.
There she meets the brilliant scientist Louis Leakey, who is looking for someone just like her to observe chimpanzees. So Jane travels to the African forest of Gombe, in Tanzania, writing:
“I wanted to learn things that no one else knew … uncover secrets.”
When she is there she feels at home, sleeping in her tent, and sometimes on a hill next to the forest, always watching for chimps. She could hear them, but it was a very long time before she saw one, even through her binoculars. She got malaria and spent many weeks ill, still waiting for a glimpse of the chimps. Months passed, and then one day the chimps came closer. Jane pretended not to see them. She just watched day by day, staying very close. “She saw the chimps accept the rain, not look for shelter, as we do.” One chimp seemed braver, and eventually his curiosity got the better of him and he approached Jane. She called him David Greybeard. The one day, she wrote in delight:
“David Greybeard has—yes—he has TAKEN BANANAS FROM MY HAND”
Jane continued to observe David Greybeard and with surprise saw him regularly shape a stick into a tool to dig for termites. Nobody had known before this that wild animals made tools. She also saw the chimps eat meat—not just plants—as people had believed. Little by little Jane found she was accepted, and able to approach the chimps to watch them. It took months for their trust to build, but she found that a lot of their behaviour was just like ours:
““Jane watched the chimps when they were happy. She saw them hold hands and hug and kiss and laugh—just like us …
She saw them swagger and throw tantrums, and kept out of the way.”
As time went on, the forests began to be cut down, and some baby chimps were stolen to sell. Jane’s “beloved chimpanzees were in danger of becoming extinct. They needed Jane to speak for them.”
Jane Goodall did not want to leave the chimps, but she knew she must leave Gombe, to let everyone know what was happening to them. She travelled all round the world, to spread the message. Whenever she could, she would return to the forests of Gombe, David Greybeard at her side. Then when she went back to civilisation, we are told, she would take with her the peace of the forest.
This is an excellent biography for children of about 5–9 years of age. It both covers the major events in Jane Goodall’s life and introduces the idea that excellent science can come from nothing more than close, extended observation. Also, it does not hide the facts about deforestation and taking young from the wild, even for young readers. It treats the difficult subject with sensitivity and in context: it does not dwell on it. In 48 pages there is just one double page spread to explain why Jane Goodall felt she had to leave the forests of Gombe. It explains how she felt she needed to alert people, and begins to lecture on tour, in order to save her beloved primates, who are now in danger of extinction, and to conserve their habitat. I am glad that this important aspect of her worldwide crusade was included for younger readers.
We sense the passion and the patience of this extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life. It conveys a strong sense of Goodall’s deep connection to her work, and is a moving portrait, in which Jane Goodall’s love for the chimpanzees and the natural world come through strongly. The text is brief and accessible, and well balanced by the carefully drawn pictures.
Jeanette Winter illustrates her own books in a naïve style reminiscent of folk art. She uses flat areas of strong colour, with repeated, stencil-like patterns giving a sense of the wealth of green and the endless reaches of the Tanzanian landscape. It is not strong on detail, being much more concerned with image and pattern, but there are clear nuances of expressions on Jane’s face, and her careful note-taking. At the end of the book is a page in smaller print, giving more details of how the book was conceived, and a little more about Jane Goodall’s work and publications.
In the book, Jane Goodall shares an important piece of advice, which stays with the reader:
“You have to be patient if you want to learn about animals.”
Jeanette Winter begins by telling us about Jane’s childhood in London, watching a robin on her windowsill, and reading about Dr. Dolittle talking to the animals. She too wants to talk to the animals, and spends her childhood observing all sorts of animals, and dreaming of Africa. After school she works and saves up so she can buy a ticket to Kenya.
There she meets the brilliant scientist Louis Leakey, who is looking for someone just like her to observe chimpanzees. So Jane travels to the African forest of Gombe, in Tanzania, writing:
“I wanted to learn things that no one else knew … uncover secrets.”
When she is there she feels at home, sleeping in her tent, and sometimes on a hill next to the forest, always watching for chimps. She could hear them, but it was a very long time before she saw one, even through her binoculars. She got malaria and spent many weeks ill, still waiting for a glimpse of the chimps. Months passed, and then one day the chimps came closer. Jane pretended not to see them. She just watched day by day, staying very close. “She saw the chimps accept the rain, not look for shelter, as we do.” One chimp seemed braver, and eventually his curiosity got the better of him and he approached Jane. She called him David Greybeard. The one day, she wrote in delight:
“David Greybeard has—yes—he has TAKEN BANANAS FROM MY HAND”
Jane continued to observe David Greybeard and with surprise saw him regularly shape a stick into a tool to dig for termites. Nobody had known before this that wild animals made tools. She also saw the chimps eat meat—not just plants—as people had believed. Little by little Jane found she was accepted, and able to approach the chimps to watch them. It took months for their trust to build, but she found that a lot of their behaviour was just like ours:
““Jane watched the chimps when they were happy. She saw them hold hands and hug and kiss and laugh—just like us …
She saw them swagger and throw tantrums, and kept out of the way.”
As time went on, the forests began to be cut down, and some baby chimps were stolen to sell. Jane’s “beloved chimpanzees were in danger of becoming extinct. They needed Jane to speak for them.”
Jane Goodall did not want to leave the chimps, but she knew she must leave Gombe, to let everyone know what was happening to them. She travelled all round the world, to spread the message. Whenever she could, she would return to the forests of Gombe, David Greybeard at her side. Then when she went back to civilisation, we are told, she would take with her the peace of the forest.
This is an excellent biography for children of about 5–9 years of age. It both covers the major events in Jane Goodall’s life and introduces the idea that excellent science can come from nothing more than close, extended observation. Also, it does not hide the facts about deforestation and taking young from the wild, even for young readers. It treats the difficult subject with sensitivity and in context: it does not dwell on it. In 48 pages there is just one double page spread to explain why Jane Goodall felt she had to leave the forests of Gombe. It explains how she felt she needed to alert people, and begins to lecture on tour, in order to save her beloved primates, who are now in danger of extinction, and to conserve their habitat. I am glad that this important aspect of her worldwide crusade was included for younger readers.
We sense the passion and the patience of this extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life. It conveys a strong sense of Goodall’s deep connection to her work, and is a moving portrait, in which Jane Goodall’s love for the chimpanzees and the natural world come through strongly. The text is brief and accessible, and well balanced by the carefully drawn pictures.
Jeanette Winter illustrates her own books in a naïve style reminiscent of folk art. She uses flat areas of strong colour, with repeated, stencil-like patterns giving a sense of the wealth of green and the endless reaches of the Tanzanian landscape. It is not strong on detail, being much more concerned with image and pattern, but there are clear nuances of expressions on Jane’s face, and her careful note-taking. At the end of the book is a page in smaller print, giving more details of how the book was conceived, and a little more about Jane Goodall’s work and publications.
In the book, Jane Goodall shares an important piece of advice, which stays with the reader:
“You have to be patient if you want to learn about animals.”
July 26, 2019
"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
Jane Goodall
Jane was an observant child and no animal was beneath her interest. As Jane grew however, she became particularly fond of the chimpanzees. When she saved enough money, she travelled to Africa, where she was fortunate to get the job of observing wild chimpazees for Louis Leakey. Thus her love for these magnificent animals was the start of a life-long advocacy and research in animal conservation.
It is always a pleasure to read about women that have made their mark in the world (and continue to do so still). Jane Goodall is without a doubt in these ranks. Curious from a young age, Jane always sought to learn by observing and that passion eventually led her to Tanzania. She was able to see firsthand the interactions of wild chimpanzees. Her observations changed how chimpanzees were seen, which in turn led to better ways in which to protect them. This is a book for children but it is most definitely worth reading for anyone. The illustrations are bright and the text perfectly compliment these colorful images. Winter depicts Goodall in a most wonderful way that encourages children to be curious and observant (advice that is good for any age). What a wonderful book!
Jane Goodall's love for chimpanzees started, in part, because of her father. Instead of a teddy bear, he gifted her a stuffed chimpanzee called Jubilee. Reportedly, Goodall still has Jubilee to this day. My interest has definitely been piqued and I will be on the lookout for a full length book about this amzing woman.
Jane Goodall
Jane was an observant child and no animal was beneath her interest. As Jane grew however, she became particularly fond of the chimpanzees. When she saved enough money, she travelled to Africa, where she was fortunate to get the job of observing wild chimpazees for Louis Leakey. Thus her love for these magnificent animals was the start of a life-long advocacy and research in animal conservation.
It is always a pleasure to read about women that have made their mark in the world (and continue to do so still). Jane Goodall is without a doubt in these ranks. Curious from a young age, Jane always sought to learn by observing and that passion eventually led her to Tanzania. She was able to see firsthand the interactions of wild chimpanzees. Her observations changed how chimpanzees were seen, which in turn led to better ways in which to protect them. This is a book for children but it is most definitely worth reading for anyone. The illustrations are bright and the text perfectly compliment these colorful images. Winter depicts Goodall in a most wonderful way that encourages children to be curious and observant (advice that is good for any age). What a wonderful book!
Jane Goodall's love for chimpanzees started, in part, because of her father. Instead of a teddy bear, he gifted her a stuffed chimpanzee called Jubilee. Reportedly, Goodall still has Jubilee to this day. My interest has definitely been piqued and I will be on the lookout for a full length book about this amzing woman.
November 24, 2017
Crossing the ocean, Jane stayed on deck
and watched the waves, even when the cold wind blew.
She saw all the different blues and greens of the sea,
and fish that glowed through the dark water.
What I loved best about this little children’s book was the emphasis that was placed on Jane Goodall’s accomplishments and the characteristics of her person and work that helped her to achieve them – curiosity, determination despite hardship, and patient observation, but done in a way that was celebratory rather than preachy. I enjoyed the artwork, too, with its bright unusual colors and sense of motion. In telling Goodall’s story, the book also tells us a story about the forest in Gombe in Tanzania, where deforestation and poaching were threatening the chimpanzees with extinction, accompanied by a rather horrifying illustration of a poacher aiming a gun at a mother chimp playing with her infant chimp amid tree stumps. Although the book tries to end on a high note, that illustration is the one that stuck with me after finishing.
This was an ebook, borrowed from my public library. I read this for The 16 Tasks of the Festive Season, square 14: Book themes for Quaid-e-Azam: Pakistan became an independent nation when the British Raj ended on August 14, 1947. Read a book set in Pakistan or in any other country that attained sovereign statehood between August 14, 1947 and today (regardless in what part of the world). This book is set in Tanzania, which became independent from the UK in 1961, according to Wikipedia.
and watched the waves, even when the cold wind blew.
She saw all the different blues and greens of the sea,
and fish that glowed through the dark water.
What I loved best about this little children’s book was the emphasis that was placed on Jane Goodall’s accomplishments and the characteristics of her person and work that helped her to achieve them – curiosity, determination despite hardship, and patient observation, but done in a way that was celebratory rather than preachy. I enjoyed the artwork, too, with its bright unusual colors and sense of motion. In telling Goodall’s story, the book also tells us a story about the forest in Gombe in Tanzania, where deforestation and poaching were threatening the chimpanzees with extinction, accompanied by a rather horrifying illustration of a poacher aiming a gun at a mother chimp playing with her infant chimp amid tree stumps. Although the book tries to end on a high note, that illustration is the one that stuck with me after finishing.
This was an ebook, borrowed from my public library. I read this for The 16 Tasks of the Festive Season, square 14: Book themes for Quaid-e-Azam: Pakistan became an independent nation when the British Raj ended on August 14, 1947. Read a book set in Pakistan or in any other country that attained sovereign statehood between August 14, 1947 and today (regardless in what part of the world). This book is set in Tanzania, which became independent from the UK in 1961, according to Wikipedia.
August 6, 2011
This is a nearly perfect picture book biography. It covers just Jane Goodall’s work with the chimps (except for a very brief description of other aspects of her life mentioned in the author’s note at the end of the book.) It goes from when she was a little girl to a young woman and to her work that continues to this time. Most of what’s covered is Jane’s work with the chimpanzees but there is more than a mention of the problem of poaching and other atrocities committed against the chimps, and of Goodall’s dedication to working to protect them.
I love the humor shown, and I appreciated how Jane’s curiosity about animal behavior started when she was a child, and how she had a goal for her life in mind, and how she found what she was looking for in life.
This is an excellent book for young naturalists, young activists, and children who love animals.
I always want to love this author-illustrator’s art more than I do. I really liked the pictures but, as with other books by her I’ve read, I don’t fall in love with them.
4 ½ stars
I love the humor shown, and I appreciated how Jane’s curiosity about animal behavior started when she was a child, and how she had a goal for her life in mind, and how she found what she was looking for in life.
This is an excellent book for young naturalists, young activists, and children who love animals.
I always want to love this author-illustrator’s art more than I do. I really liked the pictures but, as with other books by her I’ve read, I don’t fall in love with them.
4 ½ stars
March 22, 2019
A greatly simplified biography of Jane Goodall and her years spent studying chimps. The illustrations are pretty, in soothing colours. I’m sure there was probably more struggle and adversity during Ms. Goodall’s years of research and disseminating her findings, but as this book is aimed at children, it’s all pretty positive and light in tone. And if that convinces some young girl that protecting habitats/environment and science are important, than the book worked.
September 7, 2011
This is a fine picture book biography of Jane Goodall. I like how the thread of Jane being "the watcher" begins right away when she runs into the house as a little girl, having watched the chickens in the yard and declaring happily to her mother that she knows where eggs come from ;-) And how she was so patient and gentle with a bird outside her bedroom window that it eventually approached her and even made a nest in her bookcase. The "watching" continued when Jane went to Africa to study chimps. At first, they would hide from her, but they watched her as she watched them and, gradually, they came to accept her. Jane's love for the animals and her patience and desire to understand them really shine through in this book and even uses some direct quotes from her books. The afterward helps fill in a few other aspects of her life not covered in the story.
Alas, I did not really like the illustrations in this book, but they were adequate to convey what was happening and it is just personal taste, I think. (I should point out that sensitive audiences may be very unsettled by the illustration on the page talking about poachers where a hunter is pointing a gun at the back of an unsuspecting mother chimp playing with her baby.)
I read this after having fallen in love with Me . . . Jane and I must say this one didn't quite speak to me as did "Me... Jane", but "The Watcher" is also a more complete look at Jane's life and I think that reading both would benefit young readers interested in learning more about Goodall, chimps, and/or what it takes to be a "watcher".
Alas, I did not really like the illustrations in this book, but they were adequate to convey what was happening and it is just personal taste, I think. (I should point out that sensitive audiences may be very unsettled by the illustration on the page talking about poachers where a hunter is pointing a gun at the back of an unsuspecting mother chimp playing with her baby.)
I read this after having fallen in love with Me . . . Jane and I must say this one didn't quite speak to me as did "Me... Jane", but "The Watcher" is also a more complete look at Jane's life and I think that reading both would benefit young readers interested in learning more about Goodall, chimps, and/or what it takes to be a "watcher".
April 1, 2020
This outstanding picture-book biography of primatologist Jane Goodall, whose work with the chimpanzees of Gombe has revolutionized our understanding of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, has both visual and narrative appeal, with artwork that is vivid and engaging, and a simple text that follows its subject from her days as an animal-obsessed youngster who dreamed of Africa, through her many years at Gombe, and then her later turn to activism. The theme that runs throughout, as suggested by the title, is Goodall's tireless observation of the world around her. Her patience, in watching the animals that interest her, whether that be the hatching of a chicken egg, as a girl, or the long process of getting the chimpanzees to accept her, in Gombe, has obviously stood her in good stead, making her one of the best "watchers" in the world.
Informative, without being overwhelming, The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps is exactly what a biography for younger children should be! A brief afterword gives more details about Goodall, whom Winter obviously admires a great deal, while the main narrative skillfully sustains the reader's interest. I'm not always the greatest admirer of Winter's artwork - I've read a number of her books, at this point, and while I always appreciate her paintings, they aren't usually a personal favorite - but this time I was really blown away! I loved the color schemes used, and the composition of each painting - I even loved the feel of the thick pages. I think this would make a great companion piece to Patrick McDonnell's recent Me...Jane , but if the reader only has time for one, I recommend that Winter's be it. Highly recommended to all young animals lovers and watchers, and to fans of the marvelous Jane Goodall!
Informative, without being overwhelming, The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps is exactly what a biography for younger children should be! A brief afterword gives more details about Goodall, whom Winter obviously admires a great deal, while the main narrative skillfully sustains the reader's interest. I'm not always the greatest admirer of Winter's artwork - I've read a number of her books, at this point, and while I always appreciate her paintings, they aren't usually a personal favorite - but this time I was really blown away! I loved the color schemes used, and the composition of each painting - I even loved the feel of the thick pages. I think this would make a great companion piece to Patrick McDonnell's recent Me...Jane , but if the reader only has time for one, I recommend that Winter's be it. Highly recommended to all young animals lovers and watchers, and to fans of the marvelous Jane Goodall!
May 16, 2011
Follow Jane Goodall’s life in this vivid picture book. The book follows Jane from her childhood where she spent a lot of time watching the animals around her, including having a robin nest built on her bookcase in her room. Jane left home soon after graduating from school, heading to Kenya. There she met Louis Leakey who was looking for someone to observe chimpanzees. Jane headed into the jungle to watch the chimpanzees, spending time out near them just quietly viewing them. She learned all sorts of things that no one had ever discovered before. Jane spent many years with the chimpanzees learning, but then people began to threaten the chimpanzee habitat, so Jane had to leave them and become their voice, speaking out to assure their survival.
Winter has created a book that speaks to the heart of what Goodall has done, all of her accomplishments and discoveries pale in the book and in life to her dedication to the animals themselves. Goodall is a perfect subject for a picture book. She is a brave woman who braved living alone in the wilderness to do what she felt she was meant to do with her life. Winter captures all of this in few words, allowing Goodall’s life to speak for itself.
Winter’s illustrations are done in acrylic paint and pen. They have strong forms, deep colors, and a childlike quality that make the book even more approachable for children. I especially enjoy the cover image with the reflection of the chimpanzees in the lenses of her binoculars. It sums up the book delightfully.
There is something special about a book that tells children to follow their hearts, but this one is even more special because it also shows children the value of watching and learning too. Appropriate for ages 5-8.
Winter has created a book that speaks to the heart of what Goodall has done, all of her accomplishments and discoveries pale in the book and in life to her dedication to the animals themselves. Goodall is a perfect subject for a picture book. She is a brave woman who braved living alone in the wilderness to do what she felt she was meant to do with her life. Winter captures all of this in few words, allowing Goodall’s life to speak for itself.
Winter’s illustrations are done in acrylic paint and pen. They have strong forms, deep colors, and a childlike quality that make the book even more approachable for children. I especially enjoy the cover image with the reflection of the chimpanzees in the lenses of her binoculars. It sums up the book delightfully.
There is something special about a book that tells children to follow their hearts, but this one is even more special because it also shows children the value of watching and learning too. Appropriate for ages 5-8.
September 23, 2020
I love this woman. This amazing, superb, unique human. She has done something no one has the curiosity for, or interested enough to go through what she had. Such a powerful example.
And yes, this biographical picture book is the best from the author as well.
Love it to bits and pieces!
The writing is amazing!
The artwork is endearing and memorable.
And yes, this biographical picture book is the best from the author as well.
Love it to bits and pieces!
The writing is amazing!
The artwork is endearing and memorable.
January 5, 2022
I enjoyed this picture book about Jane Goodall, but felt it was simply okay, not amazing. The art style wasn't my favorite.
June 30, 2022
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Here is a woman whose life could fill volumes, carefully drawn in the broadest of strokes for the ears, eyes and understanding of a child, in an effort to share the wonder that Jane Goodall is in this world.
We'd read a number of books about her, and this one went into her later age and her activism and really interested the older children.
Here is a woman whose life could fill volumes, carefully drawn in the broadest of strokes for the ears, eyes and understanding of a child, in an effort to share the wonder that Jane Goodall is in this world.
We'd read a number of books about her, and this one went into her later age and her activism and really interested the older children.
January 21, 2019
i love Jeanette winter and her lovely lovely books .
i wish i can own them all
i wish i can own them all
July 6, 2020
Cute fun book about Jane Goodall. Good example for little girls to see such a groundbreaking woman achieve her goals.
April 22, 2019
***This was my ebook
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with Chimps by Jeanette Winter is a great biography that details the life of Jane Goodall. The biography begins with Jane Goodall’s first interactions with chimpanzees and leads all the way into her activism for the endangered species later on in her career. I think that this book would be perfect for 3rd grade.
I think that this book would be a good fit in a unit about change agents. Jane Goodall was a big agent of change and activist, so she is definitely a good figure to study. She would also be a good person for a student to choose for a wax museum project.
I also think that this book would be a really good read aloud book. It has a lot of vibrant pictures and is fairly short so it would be engaging for students. When reading this book aloud the teacher could model different metacognitive strategies such as making connections to background knowledge or they can model predictions as well.
This book is a WOW book for me as it presents a well-rounded biography of Jane Goodall without being too overwhelming. I learned a lot more about Jane Goodall than I ever did before and the illustrations and language used in the book really brought it to life
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with Chimps by Jeanette Winter is a great biography that details the life of Jane Goodall. The biography begins with Jane Goodall’s first interactions with chimpanzees and leads all the way into her activism for the endangered species later on in her career. I think that this book would be perfect for 3rd grade.
I think that this book would be a good fit in a unit about change agents. Jane Goodall was a big agent of change and activist, so she is definitely a good figure to study. She would also be a good person for a student to choose for a wax museum project.
I also think that this book would be a really good read aloud book. It has a lot of vibrant pictures and is fairly short so it would be engaging for students. When reading this book aloud the teacher could model different metacognitive strategies such as making connections to background knowledge or they can model predictions as well.
This book is a WOW book for me as it presents a well-rounded biography of Jane Goodall without being too overwhelming. I learned a lot more about Jane Goodall than I ever did before and the illustrations and language used in the book really brought it to life
August 28, 2013
This is a wonderful biography about Jane Goodall and her life's work observing and protecting the chimpanzees in Africa. The story offers a good amount of detail from her life, without being overwhelming with details or boring.
I liked that the author explains at the end of the book what she chose to include and not to include in the story, so the reader can understand that there's even more to learn about the scientist's life. The acrylic paint and pen illustrations are colorful and expressive. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
We read Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell about eighteen months ago, and we absolutely loved that story. We were not as bowled over by this book, but it was a very interesting and informative read.
interesting quote:
"'You have to be patient if you want to learn about animals,' she wrote." (p. 23)
I liked that the author explains at the end of the book what she chose to include and not to include in the story, so the reader can understand that there's even more to learn about the scientist's life. The acrylic paint and pen illustrations are colorful and expressive. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
We read Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell about eighteen months ago, and we absolutely loved that story. We were not as bowled over by this book, but it was a very interesting and informative read.
interesting quote:
"'You have to be patient if you want to learn about animals,' she wrote." (p. 23)
September 28, 2017
This biography of Jane Goodall is truly an example of how interdisciplinary literature can be! I love how it incorporates science by giving readers an example of a scientist who doesn’t work in a lab with potions and chemicals, which is a common misconception young readers may have. Moreover, it highlights all of the incredible work that Jane Goodall has done throughout her life and how she started with a love and desire to work with animals (just like many of our students!) and ended up changing the world of science because she acted on this and made a lifelong career of it. If that isn’t motivating for young children to hear, I’m not sure what is! I looooove books that feature women scientists because I think a lot of children think science is a “boy subject” and only boys and men can be scientists, but that is simply not true! This book is a great book to have to teach children that no matter your gender, if you have a passion for something, act on it! I also love that it incorporates social studies aspects (showing different countries-like Tanzania, the presence of deforestation and talking about habitats for animals vs. habitats for people, etc.) are topics I immediately thought of that I could use this book to teach my Kindergarten students during a social studies lesson or two. I think this book would be an excellent lesson introduction to either a science or social studies unit for younger grades like kindergarten (as mentioned above) but would also be a great mentor text for writing for second or third grade. The language in this book is descriptive and lovely (“That first night, Jane lay awake listening to new sounds- the croak of a frog, the hum of crickets, the laugh og a hyena, the hoot of an owl- and looking up at the stars. She knew she was home”) and would be a great example to read to the class before having them create their own biography or autobiography using similar language and detail.
April 10, 2024
“The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps is an eye opening yet approachable book really making us readers reflect on the state of our environment today. In this biography following Goodall through her childhood, early adulthood, and finally beginning her career and advocacy is a heartwarming journey, in which we get to see her passion for animals start as early as age five. Going from watching chicken’s lay their eggs to housing a stray robin in her bedroom, to going all the way to Tanzania, Africa is no small feat, yet Goodall was able to make it through hard work and perseverance. The major themes of this book were standing up for what you believe in, and following your passions, even if they are unconventional. Goodall was a major advocate against the poaching and kidnapping of chimps, travelling internationally to speak out on this issue, and persevered through the hardship of having to leave the animals and place that she loved, even if it was for the better. The genre of this book is a biography, as it was written about the life of Jane Goodall by the author, Jeanette Winter. Through reading this book I learned that chimps are even more like humans that I thought, they laugh, hold hands, and show emotion with one another! Children reading this book could take away a sense of encouragement to follow their passions, even if it seems unlikely or difficult, just like Jane Goodall, with hard work and perseverance you can achieve great things. This was a WOW book for me because it was the first time I read a children’s biography book and was educated and interested by it! Jeanette Winter is sure to keep the story easy to follow, but also educational to allow readers to have fun and learn.
Jeanette Winter used wonderful writer’s craft techniques to enhance the quality of this book, one of the most impactful in my opinion is the last sentence of the book when she writes, “And when she went back to civilization to speak out for the chimps, Jane carrier with her the peace of the forest.” This was incredibly impactful to read as it showed how Jane really used what she had learned from the chimps and her love of the jungle to defend their home, while keeping in mind who she was fighting for. The imagery that was used in this biography also allows us readers to get a good grasp of the setting, and how Goodall was feeling during her time in the jungle. Especially when Winter wrote, “She stayed in the background, never hid, acted uninterested, and quietly watched.” The concise, simple sentence structure lets the reader feel how nonchalantly Jane must have been to be accepted by the Chimps. I would consider this book to be an antibias book, because it tells the story of how a woman made her career in the science field based on hard work and pushing through struggles. In her doing so, she left her incredible mark on the world of wildlife conservation and advocacy.
Jeanette Winter used wonderful writer’s craft techniques to enhance the quality of this book, one of the most impactful in my opinion is the last sentence of the book when she writes, “And when she went back to civilization to speak out for the chimps, Jane carrier with her the peace of the forest.” This was incredibly impactful to read as it showed how Jane really used what she had learned from the chimps and her love of the jungle to defend their home, while keeping in mind who she was fighting for. The imagery that was used in this biography also allows us readers to get a good grasp of the setting, and how Goodall was feeling during her time in the jungle. Especially when Winter wrote, “She stayed in the background, never hid, acted uninterested, and quietly watched.” The concise, simple sentence structure lets the reader feel how nonchalantly Jane must have been to be accepted by the Chimps. I would consider this book to be an antibias book, because it tells the story of how a woman made her career in the science field based on hard work and pushing through struggles. In her doing so, she left her incredible mark on the world of wildlife conservation and advocacy.
August 9, 2017
"The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps" is a children's illustrated biography book, intended for ages 4-8. It was named a Best Book of the Year by the Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and the Bank Street College of Education. The narrative follows Jane Goodall from age five to her old years, very clearly depicting the theme of the book - Jane's love and ability for "watching" animals.
In searching for excellent biographies for younger readers, parents and educators are often bombarded with wordy, heady books resembling encyclopedias with confusing graphics and busy illustrations. Perhaps the creators and publishers of such volumes do not want their "factual books" to be confused with storybooks. But then, every once in a while, we stumble on a treasure like "The Watcher", where the person's life story is told skillfully by a storyteller who understands why many children prefer (and learn better from) storybooks rather than encyclopedias. Characters who "do" something different and remarkable are much more memorable for children, than text "about what that character did", which is what made this biography so excellent.
I suppose it's easier to accomplish this if the person's life is "exciting" (after all, she did go to live with chimps in the jungle - excellent storybook material). But it still takes careful consideration on the part of a seasoned author and illustrator, such as Jeanette Winter, to decide how to break up the story into digestible chunks and keep the reader turning pages. In this book, Jane Goodall's love of watching animals was established by a fun narrative from her early childhood, a sure way to capture young readers' attention and hook them to hear the rest.
In searching for excellent biographies for younger readers, parents and educators are often bombarded with wordy, heady books resembling encyclopedias with confusing graphics and busy illustrations. Perhaps the creators and publishers of such volumes do not want their "factual books" to be confused with storybooks. But then, every once in a while, we stumble on a treasure like "The Watcher", where the person's life story is told skillfully by a storyteller who understands why many children prefer (and learn better from) storybooks rather than encyclopedias. Characters who "do" something different and remarkable are much more memorable for children, than text "about what that character did", which is what made this biography so excellent.
I suppose it's easier to accomplish this if the person's life is "exciting" (after all, she did go to live with chimps in the jungle - excellent storybook material). But it still takes careful consideration on the part of a seasoned author and illustrator, such as Jeanette Winter, to decide how to break up the story into digestible chunks and keep the reader turning pages. In this book, Jane Goodall's love of watching animals was established by a fun narrative from her early childhood, a sure way to capture young readers' attention and hook them to hear the rest.
April 28, 2025
The Watcher tells the story of Jane Goodall, who changed the world just by watching. It follows her early years and her well-known chimpanzee work. The most notable themes were patience, curiosity, and reverence for the natural world. Because it presents accurate information about Jane's life and work in an interesting manner, the genre is informational.
I learned from this book that sometimes the most silent people have the greatest impact. It provides children with a kind yet strong role model who pursued her passion and brought about change via care and observation. For me, it was a book that made science seem so relatable.
The author repeatedly refers to "watching" in order to illustrate Jane's method of learning, and the tone is gentle and respectful, which is in keeping with Jane's character and heritage. The book felt inspiring and serene because of these decisions.
Because it celebrates a woman in science and challenges preconceived notions about who can be a scientist, this book is anti-bias. Additionally, it fosters compassion for wildlife and the environment.
I learned from this book that sometimes the most silent people have the greatest impact. It provides children with a kind yet strong role model who pursued her passion and brought about change via care and observation. For me, it was a book that made science seem so relatable.
The author repeatedly refers to "watching" in order to illustrate Jane's method of learning, and the tone is gentle and respectful, which is in keeping with Jane's character and heritage. The book felt inspiring and serene because of these decisions.
Because it celebrates a woman in science and challenges preconceived notions about who can be a scientist, this book is anti-bias. Additionally, it fosters compassion for wildlife and the environment.
April 15, 2019
Ini kisah Jane Goodall, the white ape, perempuan yang mempelajari pola perilaku simpanse di habitat alami mereka. Menarik sekali penuturan Jeanette Winter bagaimana Jane pertama masuk ke hutan dan hanya mendengar sahutan simpanse saja, sampai akhirnya dia diterima menjadi salah satu kawanan.
“The first night, Jane lay awake listening to new sounds
the croak of frog, the hum of crickets, the laugh of hyena, the hoot of an owl
and looking up at the stars.
She knew she was Home.”
“The first night, Jane lay awake listening to new sounds
the croak of frog, the hum of crickets, the laugh of hyena, the hoot of an owl
and looking up at the stars.
She knew she was Home.”
July 12, 2018
Really nice picture book biography of an often-covered subject. I like that the early pages solidly ground the reader in Goodall's childhood, making her relatable for the target audience. Back matter isn't much but is very helpful, especially noting why the focus and what of her life isn't included in the narrative.
September 16, 2017
The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps is a fascinating and inspiring portrait of the life and achievements of the world's foremost animal conservationist. The book starts out with Jane in her youth and portrays her passion about animals that parallels the interests of many boys and girls. I think this is a subject to naturally be curious about; animals are life in its purest form, without the rules of human adults. Jane eventually finds her way to Africa to study the chimps she is most passionate about and starts her life's work. The way Jane pursues her dream and changes how the world views our closest animal relatives is so exciting to see unfold. I believe Jane could especially be a great role model to girl readers that are interested in science and animals, and it could perhaps inspire them to pursue an educational path that helps the animals of our world. Chimpanzees are endangered and they absolutely do need our help. The author, Jeanette Winter, makes a strong point about the dangers that chimps face and how Jane and others are fighting to save them. This book could be immediately segwayed into a lesson about animal conservation or could be integrated into a science or social studies (or both) unit on the subject.
[I actually made an Endangered Species 3rd grade science unit for a class, which includes activities like visiting the zoo, researching local endangered species, and "adopting" an endangered animal online. I am happy to share this with other teachers here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m...]
[I actually made an Endangered Species 3rd grade science unit for a class, which includes activities like visiting the zoo, researching local endangered species, and "adopting" an endangered animal online. I am happy to share this with other teachers here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m...]
November 20, 2020
I am obsessed with all of the Leakey Girls, as they were called for awhile. I’m glad it’s so easy to pass on this obsession to the girls, at least for Jane Goodall. We need books about the others too!
This is such a lovely book.
This is such a lovely book.
March 5, 2021
A smart picture book biography that focuses solely on Goodall's work, rather than on her personal life. I did think it jumped too quickly through time, but the afterword information is fantastic, and the book itself is solid.
November 14, 2022
The Watcher shows how interesting life is with animals and how much humans can learn from them. Jane’s patient interactions with the animals allows them to develop trust and grow a special bond with her. Jane demonstrates how she took her fascinations as a child and turned them into a career.
The Watcher is classified under the biography genre because it tells the story of Jane Goodall’s achievements. It starts out showing her interests in animals and how she pursued her dreams to go to Africa. The book then shows her achievements with the apes throughout her time in Africa and how she spread what she learned.
This book would be very beneficial for children because it shows that they can be successful outside of a typical 9-5 job. Jane’s experience having to save up for her trip teaches the lesson that children are able to achieve the goals they want through hard work.
The Watcher is a WOW book for me because I felt like the writing of the book was very simple, yet it still did a good job at explaining Jane’s story. I found the illustrations very cute and I think they did a good job at capturing the relationship between Jane and the apes. The book was interesting and easy to follow while still being informative.
Winter connects the theme throughout the book back to the title of the book. The reader gets to see all the different animals that Jane watched as she grew up, hence why the book is called The Watcher. Winter also writes in a poetic style, splitting up her sentences into more than one line. This style adds suspense to the story since the reader has to slow down and enjoy each word.
This book may be slightly biased as it only speaks positively of Jane’s life. The author doesn’t go into any struggles she may have faced through her experiences. Although there is bias present, this bias is not harmful to children. Winter is explaining Jane’s story and excluding possible negative details keeps the book lighthearted and kid appropriate.
The Watcher is classified under the biography genre because it tells the story of Jane Goodall’s achievements. It starts out showing her interests in animals and how she pursued her dreams to go to Africa. The book then shows her achievements with the apes throughout her time in Africa and how she spread what she learned.
This book would be very beneficial for children because it shows that they can be successful outside of a typical 9-5 job. Jane’s experience having to save up for her trip teaches the lesson that children are able to achieve the goals they want through hard work.
The Watcher is a WOW book for me because I felt like the writing of the book was very simple, yet it still did a good job at explaining Jane’s story. I found the illustrations very cute and I think they did a good job at capturing the relationship between Jane and the apes. The book was interesting and easy to follow while still being informative.
Winter connects the theme throughout the book back to the title of the book. The reader gets to see all the different animals that Jane watched as she grew up, hence why the book is called The Watcher. Winter also writes in a poetic style, splitting up her sentences into more than one line. This style adds suspense to the story since the reader has to slow down and enjoy each word.
This book may be slightly biased as it only speaks positively of Jane’s life. The author doesn’t go into any struggles she may have faced through her experiences. Although there is bias present, this bias is not harmful to children. Winter is explaining Jane’s story and excluding possible negative details keeps the book lighthearted and kid appropriate.
September 13, 2021
3.5 stars.
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