Is there one kid in the world who isn’t fascinated by animals? (Answer: no.) So today, Jane Goodall’s birthday, is a perfect opportunity to cozy around your tablet or computer together and dig into her life just a bit. Especially if you think her legacy is limited to her work with Chimpanzees. Here are five places to start.

1. 

Read a quick bio of her on the wonderful The Reconstructionists site, an homage to amazing women through history. Their Jane Goodall page includes a fantastic illustration and Goodall quote from Lisa Congdon, that would happen to make a nifty screensaver for your phone.

2.

Visit the Jane Goodall institute website, and read about initiatives that inspire, like the Roots and Shoots program (at top) that engages young people to make the world a better place for people, animals and nature.

In fact, your kids (or classroom) can apply for a $200-400 mini-grant for a community service campaign. Pretty awesome considering 100% of the people who have applied have received one. Check out the current campaigns list for ideas. Amazing program!

3.

Grab a copy of Dream Jane by Patrick McDonald (from our amazon affiliate or your local library), a lovely illustrated children’s book about the scientist before she became the scientist and simply received a little stuffed monkey who would go onto change her life. There’s a terrific description of it on the Brainpickings website with tons of wonderful insight and even more links that will fascinate kids.

4.

Take a look at how artist Wendy Tsao transformed a Bratz doll into Jane Goodall (and other amazing women) through her Treechange Dolls project.

5.

Listen to the lovely Dream Jane Dream, a song for Jane Goodall which you can watch on YouTube, thanks to CMP friend and award-winning kindie artist Lori Henriques or just listen via soundcloud link along with the rest of the tracks from How Great Can This Day Be on Lori’s website.