Foreword for
Emelia Makes a Difference

During my 45 years learning about chimpanzees I have realized, again and again, how like us they are.  And, of course, how like them we are.  I was spending at least half of each year at Gombe National Park, Tanzania when I gave birth to my own child.  It was fascinating to compare his development with that of the chimpanzees I was studying.  It highlighted the many similarities between us and them. Youngsters of both species have the same need for care, affection, and play, and show the same range of emotions, and express these in the same kind of way. Both, for example, may throw dramatic tantrums when unable to get their own way, screaming and throwing themselves to the ground. And they show similar exuberance when things go well. Chimpanzee and human youngsters both love to be tickled. Grub spent hours poking at columns of ants with a stick, disturbing the neat lines, watching the resultant chaos with delight. Young chimpanzees do the same. Grub was fascinated by the world around him, and imitated many of the things he saw us doing; chimpanzee childhood is marked by the same curiosity and desire to do as others do.

This book describes some of these similarities in an engaging way that children will love. In fact, Emelia plays the part of Grub. I read it to my own grandchildren, and to my sister’s. They were entranced, most particularly by the vibrant, colorful illustrations, so well designed to attract the attention of a child.

There are two messages for children and their parents in this little book. Firstly, that we are not too different from chimpanzees. This will confirm for young children what they seem to know instinctively: that we are part of the animal kingdom, not separated from it. Secondly, that animals are harmed when we destroy the natural world. Like Emelia, young readers will be horrified when they learn that Juji’s forest home is threatened.

In fact, Emelia Makes a Difference is a perfect book for the younger members of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program. We try to teach these lessons to children since we believe: Only when we understand can we care. Only when we care shall we help. And only when we help shall all be saved.  As they read this book, children will empathize with Emilia and Juji, and come to understand something of the life of chimpanzees. And like Emilia they will care when they learn of the little chimpanzee’s sadness. Finally, when they see how Emilia makes her poster, they too will be inspired to help.

This, too, is an essential message: the importance of the family. I have met many children who at an early age have demonstrated an incredible ability to raise awareness – and often money – for causes dear to their hearts. And in almost every case, the really successful children – those who are truly making a difference in the world – are supported by their families. As Emelia is by hers.

I cannot wait to give this book to all the small children whom I know. And, through the Jane Goodall Institute and our Roots & Shoots program, to let parents and teachers know about it.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE
Founder – the Jane Goodall Institute &
UN Messenger of Peace
www.janegoodall.org
www.rootsandshoots.org