School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-Featuring gorgeous, full-color photographs; primary sources; and fun nature facts, this biography of Jane Goodall will easily entice children. Goodall is presented as inspiring and intelligent as well as down-to-earth in her personality and methods. Silvey focuses on the scientist's relationship to the chimpanzees she studied, and also discusses the anthropologist's trajectory from curious young girl to respected scientist (black-and-white childhood photos and anecdotes add to the appeal). Sidebars provide additional material, such as brief profiles of her mentor, Louis Leakey, and her mother. The photographs of Goodall and her primate friends are beautiful, and the book is well designed and laid out with care. The writing is clear and concise, and learning about the subject's work in such an accessible manner will boost children's self-confidence, especially girls with an interest in science. VERDICT An ideal purchase for science or biography collections.-Shalini Miskelly, St. Benedict Catholic School, Seattle, WA © Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Silvey (The Plant Hunters) adeptly chronicles the life of Goodall from her childhood fascination with animal behavior to her groundbreaking field research of chimpanzees in Africa and her work to preserve endangered animals' habitats. Goodall's brief foreword offers a persuasive call-to-action for readers to do their part to save the natural world, and Silvey's clear, engaging narrative moves briskly through Goodall's career. The book's photographs, many provided by National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute, include shots of Goodall's face-to-face interactions with chimps, underscoring the animals' intelligence and compassion, as well as the beauty of their homeland. Encouraged by paleontologist Louis Leakey, Goodall made scientific breakthroughs regarding the similarities between chimpanzees and humans. Text and photos also highlight Goodall's extreme patience while observing and working with animals, and her tangible bond with and advocacy for them: "Chimp by chimp, Jane became involved in rescue missions around the world, always maintaining that 'every individual matters.' " Incorporating sidebars, bursts, maps, illustrations, and other images, the book's handsome design makes for easy, enjoyable navigation. Ages 8-12. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Growing up in England, Jane Goodall dreamed of living in Africa and observing animals. In her twenties, she moved there and worked with Louis Leakey, who enabled her to observe wild chimpanzees in what is now Tanzania's Gombe National Park. Silvey describes the day-to-day challenges of the work, as well as its personal rewards, and the impact of Goodall's groundbreaking research on scientists' perception of chimps. The narrative traces her career as an academic, a conservationist, and a voice for the humane treatment of chimps held in captivity. Well organized and clearly written, the text is illustrated with many excellent color photos, several family photos from Goodall's childhood, and a few useful maps. Besides bringing out this biography, National Geographic is cited several times as the publisher of Goodall's first articles and a financial supporter of her work. The book concludes with an engaging Gombe Family Scrapbook, featuring photos and paragraphs introducing a number of individual gorillas at Gombe. An inviting introduction to the life and work of Jane Goodall.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2015 Booklist
