In the summer of 2003, I got a temp job at a local museum. It was not a job, but rather a one day gig. I was supposed to check visitors' stabs to a particular exhibit and after lunch I sat bored at coat check. For a rather unremarkable gig, this turned out to be a rather remarkable day. The day I first heard the name of Jane Goodall. Wait! For a highly educated person, it is highly surprising that I dismissed her achievement as rather mundane and I did not pursue my finding by getting a book and learning more. In my defense, I was burnt from four years of college, having just finished, and frustrated that I did ot see value in what I had learn in the previous 4 years, and even the previous 16 years of life. So, sitting around and observing chimpanzees was hardly something I cared about in my insecurity.

Move forward 13 years, and I am very jealous of this Jane Goodall. Somehow she was lucky enough to want something at an early age, and to remember it, and to pursue it. I also adore Jane Goodall, and now is the right moment to share her inspirational story with my daughter and my son. So before we hit science, we will learn about the people who make science possible and who make progress possible.

"Untamed" is a great introduction to the scientist and the person Jane Goodall. It is presented by National Geographic and is filled with engaging photos and vivid stories which capture young minds. "The Watcher" is the picture book with which we began. It is wonderful - it is simple and points out the wonder of this woman's life.

"Gorillas" is a facts book. Aside from the illustrations and the maps there is nothing inspirational about this book. However, the illustrations are so beautiful that it is a must skim through for young readers and students when learning about the great works of naturalists like Charles Darwin and Jane Goodall. 

"Primates" is for older kids so we did not read it but I did. It is good and walking in, it is useful to know something about Leakey, Goodall, and the other two ladies. Great illustrations, definitely a wonderful read, but for middle school or even high school kids.

"Bone by bone" is wonderful too, to get little kids thinking about the human body, and what differentiates and connects us to other living things. Before jumping heads on into evolution, I decided that this is a fantastic stepping stone. I loved it.It engages the kids by invoking a response and teaches them at the same time.

"The truth about Poop". With little kids you can never get enough of poop talk. It is a favorite topic. For my purposes it is also a great vehicle to think about in what ways people and animals are alike in regards to poop. In what ways people and animals alike take advantage of the mere existence of poop. Strategies, thinking is demonstrated by various creatures and it is worth learning not to dismiss them as simpletons. And don't forget to emphasize that this encyclopedia of facts could not have been accumulated hadn't there been someone actively observing the creatures in their natural environment.


"The one and only Ivan". I love this book, it ties nicely with people and nature, as well as with our topic of evolution. We have already read the shorter version, which clearly states what has happened to Ivan. Now, we are about to venture into the story about Ivan, told from his point of view. I want to hear what the kids' reactions are before I provide my commentary.

We already read the real story about Winnie, now we are putting real living people into the picture in order to make the story even more valuable and real. Nature inspires us. It inspired the stories, the movies, an entire empire of amusement parks. The jungle book and Dr. DoLittle inspired Jane Goodall to study, love and protect nature. Books are fabulous tools for us to grow. This is the ultimate message that I will drive home. Books inspire us. Be inspired. Dream and pursue your dreams, however unconventional they may be. Go for it!