Jeanette Winter’s quietly alluring picture book account of researcher Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees in Tanzania pairs a brief, accessible text with lovely, colorful naïve style illustrations detailing scenes from Goodall’s life and work. Goodall’s passion, patience (“'You have to be patient if you want to learn about animals,’ she wrote”), and love for the chimpanzees and the natural world come through strongly in a work that incorporates some of the observations Jane made about her subjects into the narrative (“Jane watched the chimps when they were happy. She saw them hold hands and hug and kiss and laugh—just like us.”) Winter’s art has a touch of whimsy and a strong sense of Goodall’s deep connection to her work. (Ages 5–9)

Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter has found her perfect subject: 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.