Me… Jane

Title: Me… Jane
Author: Patrick McDonnell
Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell
Best for Age: 4-8
ISBN: 9780316045469
Publisher: Little Brown (2011)
List Price: Hardcover, $15.99

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So… I’m pretty much famous. Why? Well, it is not for my amazing cupcake-baking abilities. Not yet at least. I’m one step closer to fame because I got to write a review for the San Diego Union Tribune (Page F4, Sunday May 22nd)! I reviewed Me…Jane, Patrick McDonnell’s latest picture book about Jane Goodall. Below is the review I wrote for the Union Tribune. It was hard to write a review for a newspaper; because, as I quickly learned, it could only be 150 words or so. Go ahead and look at my previous reviews on this blog, I can guarantee that NONE of them are anywhere near 150 words. I can’t help it. I’m loquacious. And when I love a book, I like to yammer on and on about it. So to make up for the short review, I have a slew of pictures from the book itself. McDonnell’s illustrations are just too lovely not to show off. Enjoy!

“Me…Jane is a charming introduction to the inspiring life of Jane Goodall. This shy little biography, written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell (the creator of the comic strip MUTTS), is disguised as a simple and sweet bedtime story, perfect for young readers aged four to eight. McDonnell effortlessly portrays the childhood of a girl named Jane, and the adventures she encounters with her favorite stuffed toy, a chimpanzee by the name of Jubilee. This picture book tenderly depicts Jane’s early appreciation for, and unrelenting curiosity regarding, nature, animals, and Africa. McDonnell’s illustrations are just as heartwarming as his words. Each page presents a combination of his classic cartoon sketches, as well as various ornamental engravings that help evoke Jane’s passion for detailed scientific observations of the natural world. McDonnell also includes a number of Jane Goodall’s own original drawings from her youth. Simple, but deeply inspiring, Me…Jane is a true delight!“

Want to check out another McDonnell book that I adore? Take a peek at  Hug Time!