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Parents' Guide to

Doctor De Soto

By Peter Lewis, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Clever twists of plot keep kids interested.

Book William Steig Picture Book 1982
Doctor De Soto Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Never trust a fox! Mouse dentist Doctor De Soto and his able assistant wife don't, but they do take pity on the wily one that pleads for them to yank his rotten, aching tooth. The ungrateful beast's ensuing plans to eat the mice are thwarted in author/illustrator William Steig's typically imaginative fashion.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Few writers rival William Steig when it comes to short but compelling stories. His work is gentle, yet he keeps the reader's imagination hopping with clever twists of plot and resourceful, often courageous, actions by characters. Steig doesn't shrink from challenging words -- "the fox caressed the new tooth with his tongue" -- and at times they can be outright demanding. But his tinder-dry humor, guarantees an attentive audience.

Steig's artwork is lyrical, washed with color, and imbued with a tangible presence. The characters float on the white background of the page, which sets off their expressions like firecrackers. And what marvelous expressions they are, signaling to the reader exactly how a character is feeling.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the dentist's kindness. Why does he help the fox? Does he expect the fox to try to eat him?

Book Details

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