Books like Doctor De Soto by William Steig
Dr. De Soto is a tiny mouse with big dental skills who runs a bustling practice serving a variety of woodland friends. Except for those who crave mice, he can ease any animal’s toothache. But when a severely ailing fox arrives, Dr. De Soto is forced to confront his fear and extend his care to the very creature he once avoided. Through gentle humor and heartfelt illustration, the story encourages empathy, overcoming prejudice, and the importance of dental health.
Illustrated by William Steig, John Popovich, and the author, the book combines playful art with an accessible narrative that appeals to children ages 3 and up. Its gentle message earned it a New Bery Honor and a New Bery Medal.
Keywords emphasize its themes of animal friendships, dental care, and confronting biases, making it a valuable resource for children’s literature collections and educators promoting health education.
First publish date: 1982
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picture Books
Authors: William Steig
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