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Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

Illustrated by Felicita Sala
Paperback
$8.99 US
8.5"W x 11"H x 0.15"D   | 7 oz | 48 per carton
On sale Feb 21, 2023 | 40 Pages | 978-0-593-56885-9
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD800L | Fountas & Pinnell O
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A fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles!

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.
  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Illinois State Library Monarch Award
  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Utah Children's Book Award
  • AWARD | 2019
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • RECOMMENDED | 2019
    NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
  • NOMINEE | 2019
    Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award
  • SELECTION | 2018
    Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books
"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
FELICITA SALA received Italy's Premio Andersen for her work illustrating many books for children, including Green on Green by Dianne White; She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez; The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy; and Ode to an Onion by Alexandria Giardino. She lives in Rome, Italy. View titles by Felicita Sala

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

Classroom Activities for Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Photos

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additional book photo

About

A fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles!

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.

Awards

  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Illinois State Library Monarch Award
  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Utah Children's Book Award
  • AWARD | 2019
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • RECOMMENDED | 2019
    NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
  • NOMINEE | 2019
    Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award
  • SELECTION | 2018
    Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books

Praise

"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

Author

FELICITA SALA received Italy's Premio Andersen for her work illustrating many books for children, including Green on Green by Dianne White; She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez; The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy; and Ode to an Onion by Alexandria Giardino. She lives in Rome, Italy. View titles by Felicita Sala

Media

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

Additional Materials

Classroom Activities for Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)