Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

by Patricia Valdez, Felicita Sala (Illustrator)

Overview

For fans of Ada Twist: Scientist comes a fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist—who loved reptiles!

Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets.... While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere—she even brought a crocodile to school!

When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties—with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

With a lively text and vibrant illustrations, scientist and writer Patricia Valdez and illustrator Felicita Sala bring to life Joan Procter's inspiring story of passion and determination.

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year selection

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399557255
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	03/13/2018
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	157,954
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Patricia Valdez is a scientist who loves writing for children. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and currently works at the National Institutes of Health. Originally from Texas, she now lives in the Washington, D.C. area. This is her first picture book.

Felicita Sala is a self taught illustrator who studied Philosophy at the University of Western Australia. She has worked on several animation projects, but her passion is making picture books. Felicita lives in Rome with her husband and their daughter. Visit her online at FelicitaSala.com, FelicitaSala.blogspot.com, and Instagram.com/felicita.sala/

Editorial Reviews

★ 02/19/2018
Valdez paints a portrait of a unique woman whose love for reptiles developed into a gratifying career. As a child, Joan Procter enjoyed the company of pet lizards, snakes, turtles, and even a crocodile. These interests led her to work as a curator at London’s Natural History Museum—a position made possible because many male scientists were serving in WWI. Her expertise resulted in an invitation to redesign the Reptile House at the London Zoo, and her particular fondness for the komodo dragons drew media attention. Sala’s elegantly detailed art hints at the affinity between Procter and the reptiles, whose beadlike skin echoes the pearls in Procter’s necklace, as its emerald hue matches her eyes. Back matter elaborates on Procter’s unconventional passion and includes a photograph of her with her pet crocodile. Ages 4–8. Author’s and illustrator’s agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"Whimsical artwork and an empowering story make this biography of a lesser-known woman scientist truly charming."—Booklist, starred review

"An inspirational biography with exciting depictions of a variety of reptiles, including a pet Komodo dragon, that will keep any child interested—whether reading on their own or with a group."—School Library Journal, starred review

"Valdez paints a portrait of a unique woman whose love for reptiles developed into a gratifying career."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

From the Publisher

★ 01/01/2018
K-Gr 3—Joan Procter, the subject of this biographical picture book, was an internationally recognized herpetologist in the early 20th century and the curator of reptiles at the British Natural History Museum. This excellent biography presents an inspirational story of a smart, dedicated female scientist. It will be an important addition to the list of newer books for children featuring the work of women in STEM fields. The story adroitly communicates Procter's determination, curiosity, and complete fascination with reptiles. Throughout the text there are many opportunities for vocabulary building, especially in regards to reptiles. Sala's vibrant artwork perfectly complements the narrative. A variety of techniques in backgrounds, word placements, and the use of black silhouettes provide depth to the pages and present readers with a variety of viewpoints. The ever-present reptiles will be the star attraction for most children, but the colorful tropical plants add atmosphere and really evoke the Reptile House. Following the story, the author includes additional biographical information on Procter, scientific details on Komodo Dragons, and a bibliography with primary and secondary sources. VERDICT An inspirational biography with exciting depictions of a variety of reptiles, including a pet Komodo dragon, that will keep any child interested—whether reading on their own or with a group. A first purchase for most libraries.—Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library

School Library Journal

2017-11-27
Valdez introduces Joan Procter, whose lifelong love of reptiles yielded a career at London's Natural History Museum and the London Zoo. Avid for reptiles from childhood, Joan received a crocodile for her 16th birthday. First assisting, then succeeding the museum's curator of reptiles, Joan surveyed the collections, published papers, and made models for exhibits. Her designs for the zoo's reptile house incorporated innovative lighting and heating as well as plants and artwork evoking the reptiles' habitats. Joan's reputation soared with the arrival of two 7-foot-long Komodo dragons, coinciding with the reptile house's opening. Presenting a paper at the Zoological Society, Joan brought along one of them, Sumbawa, who ate a pigeon whole and strolled among attendees. Valdez's narrative alludes to Procter's poor health obliquely: pet reptiles cheered her "on the days Joan was too sick to attend school," and a later spread depicts her "riding through the zoo" in a wheelchair. (An appended note explains that a "chronic intestinal illness" led to Joan's death at just 34.) Sala portrays stylized reptiles and 1920s-era British clothing. People's skin tones range from stark white to various tans and browns. Indeed, although she was white, Joan's skin varies throughout, sometimes appearing white and pink and others times various shades of beige.This view into Procter's brief life connects her early passion for reptiles with her innovative career combining scientific research, practice, art, and design. (author's note, bibliography of primary sources, photographs) (Picture book/biography. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews