Patricia
Valdez; Illustrated by Felicita Sala
Knopf. 2018
ISBN:
9780399557255
Joan Proctor
(1897-1931), loved reptiles: lizards, snakes, and crocodiles. In Valdez’s picture book biography, readers
follow Procter’s interesting life. She was hired as curator at London’s Natural
History Museum and became director of the Reptile House at the London Zoo.
While at the Zoo, Procter was instrumental in upgrading the outdated Reptile
House. “She cared for each and every
creature in the Reptile House. From daily health checks to delicate surgeries,
her dedication and talent could not be matched.”
Sala’s
brightly colored illustrations are beautiful and are a perfect complement to
Valdez narrative.
Back matter
includes a lengthy author’s note and bibliography.
The other
day, while at one of the primary schools promoting summer reading, Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor was on
display in one of the classrooms. When asked, the class of First Graders gave
the book high fives.
“Love the
pictures.”
“She was an
interesting woman.”
“I’d like a
Komodo dragon as a pet too.”
I used a copy from the my local public library to write this review
This looks fantastic. On my reading list!
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book!
ReplyDelete