Book details

Macmillan Children's Book

Doctor De Soto

(Newbery Honor Book; National Book Award Finalist)

Author: Written and illustrated by William Steig

Doctor De Soto

Doctor De Soto

About This Book

From the incomparable William Steig, a story that proves even a fox can be out-foxed by a clever mouse.

Doctor De Soto is a 1982 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1983 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books, and a 1983 Newbery Honor Book.

Page Count
32
On Sale
04/27/2010
Age Range
5-8

Book Details

From the incomparable William Steig, creator of Shrek, comes a story that proves even a fox can be out-foxed by a clever mouse in Doctor De Soto, a Newbery Honor Book.

"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.

Doctor De Soto is a 1982 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1983 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books, and a 1983 Newbery Honor Book.

Made into an animated short film in 1984 by American director and animator Michael Sporn.

Imprint Publisher

Square Fish

ISBN

9780312611897

Reading Guide

In The News

“I cannot imagine childhood without Steig: Sylvester, Pearl, Caleb, and now Doctor De Soto.” —The Dallas Morning News

“This is one of those picture books that are so good I'd just like to quote the whole thing.” —Philadelphia Inquirer

“Simple but sly, a mischievously imaginative rendition of the classic theme.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Doctor De Soto is a mouse dentist who . . . operates a clinic open to all except animals threatening to mice. What to do, then, when a weeping and wailing fox shows up for treatment? . . . There is great wit and good fun in the illustrations.” —Booklist, Starred Review

About the Creators

Doctor De Soto

Doctor De Soto