Doctor De Soto [Paperback]

William Steig (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: April 27, 2010 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years | Lexile Measure: 560L (What's this?)

"Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work." With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain.

Since he's a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat "dangerous" animals--that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn't give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Doctor De Soto is a well-respected mouse-dentist who runs a successful practice with his wife (and able assistant) Mrs. De Soto. The De Sotos are friendly and professional toward all their patients, from chipmunks to donkeys to cows, the exception being "cats and other dangerous animals," as stated clearly on the sign outside the office. But the De Sotos are tender-hearted rodents, so when a miserable fox shows up begging for treatment, they agree to have a look (perhaps against their better judgment). As it turns out, this fox, with "a rotten bicuspid and unusually bad breath," manages to behave himself while tiny Doctor De Soto is standing mid-molar inside his gaping jaws. When the wily fox returns the next day to get his replacement gold tooth, however, he has mouse-flavored snacks on his mind. Luckily, Doctor De Soto and his wife have anticipated such despicable canine intentions, and find a way to outfox the ungrateful fox.

William Steig, award-winning creator of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, once again offers young readers a clever, amusing tale of interspecies mingling. As usual, Steig's tone is matter-of-fact, and his enchanting illustrations of the responsible mouse couple and their foxy adversary are alive with expression and emotion. Kids will appreciate the De Sotos' wit, and will be delighted to read more about this diminutive couple's adventures in Doctor De Soto Goes to Africa. (Ages 4 to 8) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

A somewhat unusual--and ravenous--patient is outfoxed by the resourceful mouse-dentist in this sly tale of mischief. Ages 3-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Square Fish; 1 edition (April 27, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780312611897
• ISBN-13: 978-0312611897
• ASIN: 0312611897
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Mice, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs & Squirrels

More About the Author

William Steig (1907-2003) published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (978-1416902065) in 1970. His works also include The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. His most recent books published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux are Shrek! (released by DreamWorks as a major motion picture) and Wizzil, illustrated by Quentin Blake. School Library Journal named Shrek! a Best Book of 1990 and said of it, "Steig's inimitable wit and artistic dash have never been sharper or more expertly blended."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is possibly my favorite children's book -- September 11, 2004

By M. C. Crammer VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

I've given it as a present several times.

William Steig's books are very funny both to adults and children, which is an amazing accomplishment if you think about it.

The story involves a mouse dentist, Dr. DeSoto, who has a fox present himself for dental work. Normally Dr. DeSoto doesn't work on carnivorous patients, but he feels sorry for the fox, who has a toothache. Even while Dr. DeSoto is fixing the fox's tooth, however, the fox is thinking about what a tasty treat his dentist will be.

The humor lies in William Steig's use of language -- he is well known for not talking down to children, but slipping in some wonderful "big words" that children love to hear and that increase their vocabularies painlessly.

I can't imagine anyone not finding this book entertaining. William Steig will be greatly missed.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I remember it like it was yesterday.. January 19, 2003

By Nathalie Wilson

Format:Paperback

On Friday afternoon, I was talking to my younger sister at a Denny's restaurant, when, out of nowhere, the storyline image of this book came into mind. I am currently seventeen years old, and even though it was more than ten years ago, I was still able to vividly recall to my sister (who is thirteen) all of the wonderful images of the fox, donkey, and alligator that I had enjoyed so long ago. She also began remembering different parts of the book since I had shared it with her when we were younger, and we excitedly spoke about the clever dentist and his antics.

This is one book that has stuck out in my mind as a childhood favorite (even though I still am somewhat of a kid) and I'm sure your child will come to love and cherish this book as well.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book December 14, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I'm 10 now but still enjoy all of Steig's books. I read them still, in bed. This is a very funny and witty book, and I think all young children should read it. Dr.DeSoto is a nice character,as all of Steig's are. I recomend this book to anyone looking for some laughs.