Doctor De Soto

This book is good for having students make predictions.

In a story that is strongly reminiscent of the Aesopic fable concerning the wolf and the crane, murine dentist Dr. De Soto agrees to go against his standing policy, which states that he will not treat dangerous animals (like cats!), and accept a fox as a patient. Correctly interpreting his vulpine patient's desire to eat him, and his assistant (his wife, Mrs. De Soto), the good dentist is torn between his duty as a medical practitioner and his desire to remain in one piece. Fortunately, creative thinking, and a little cunning, allow the mice to outfox the fox, and escape unscathed.

Atypically, Dr. De Soto was chosen as a Newbery Honor Book in 1983 - "atypically" because the Newbery is a writer's award, and is usually given to longer works, rather than to picture-books - but although I found the story engaging, and appreciated the interactions of text and image, I can't say that I thought this was a particularly award-worthy title. Still, I did enjoy it, and was charmed by Dr. and Mrs. De Soto, and their sangfroid in the face of danger. Seeing the "little guys" triumph is always fun, especially when the narrative and artwork are so full of humor. ( )

Another creepy Steig book. If foxes and mice both wear clothes and talk and live in the same civilized society, then if the fox is contemplating eating the mouse, that is cannibalism in my mind. Either way, a fun read.

When Doctor DeSoto, the dentist, must work on a fox�s teeth, he figures out a clever way to keep the fox from eating him in the process.

This story was clever and interesting but lacked any sense of theme or positive lesson that child readers could take from it. I enjoyed the character of Doctor De Soto, who is not only intelligent but also willing to put his life on the line to help others in need. I think he sets a good example for child readers to follow. However, the overarching narrative of this story demonstrates that by helping others you may be hurt in the process and should always watch your back. This message, although it reflects some peoples experiences, is not necessarily the best message to give to children. So, as a source of entertaining literature I give two thumbs up, but its message of being overly cautious when helping others I am unsure of. ( )