Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

By Author / Illustrator

Patricia Valdez, Felicita Sala

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Andersen Press Ltd

ISBN

9781783447411

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-06-2018

Synopsis

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 Natural History 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 honour.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.'Delectably stylish' SUNDAY TIMES'The illustrations by Felicita Sala are full of rich colour and telling details and bring this unusual book to glowing life.' IRISH INDEPENDENT

Reviews

What a delightful book about a pioneering young woman from the 1920's. This story is about Joan Proctor who, during the First World War, became the first woman reptile curator at the National History Museum in London. Fascinated by reptiles from an early age, Joan wasn't interested in the normal girlie things, she had a passion for slithery, scaly, unusual animals that eventually led her into an internationally renowned career at London's Zoo and the Natural History Museum. The book introduces the reader to a young, curious Joan, holding tea parties with reptiles while her peers preferred dolls. (wish I had been around to take tea with her and Sumbawma)! As Joan grew, her interest did not wane, so at 16 years old she received a pet crocodile as a birthday gift! The story is told in a easy and humorous way, making the book a great introduction to non-fiction for a wide range of primary readers. The story will delight children who are fascinated with snakes and lizards. Whether a parent reads it out, a beginner reader or a struggling older one, along with the wonderful illustrations it will be read again and again. At the end of the story, there is further detailed information for parents and older readers on Joan and of course the wonderful Komodo dragons. I personally, think that the book would have benefited from some original photos to also support the text, but that's an adult mind for you. This is a wonderful introduction to non-fiction for young inquiring minds. 30 pages with well written manageable short paragraphs for younger readers (paperback version) with beautiful illustrations that reflect the era in which Joan lived. Picture book / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian.