Doctor De Soto: (Newbery Honor Book; National Book Award Finalist)

I have purchased several copies as gifts for children. A great lesson to be taught.

Great book for a dental practice. Keep in waiting room

This is the story of Doctor De Soto, a mouse who is a dentist to other animals. All other animals except "dangerous" animals, that is -- dangerous to mice. Dr De Soto and his assistant, Mrs. De Soto, will not (Repeat: Not!) treat cats, no matter what dental pain a cat may be in.But then one day a fox (Dangerous Animal!) stands out on the street beneath the dentist's office and wails in pain from a sore tooth. Even though they know they shouldn't do so, the De Soto's allow the fox into their office and Dr. De Soto extracts the sore tooth. The fox immediately thinks of eating the two mice. But Dr. De Soto has built a new gold tooth for the fox, and the tooth can't be installed until the next day, so the fox puts off eating the mice until tomorrow.Dr. De Soto and his wife are up all night, knowing that when the dentist inserts the gold tooth, the fox will eat them. But then Dr. De Soto gets a brilliant idea. The next day, before he installs the fox's tooth, he asks the fox if he would like to be the very first recipient of a new preparation which will prevent cavities or any kind of tooth pain ever again. The fox readily agrees and Dr. De Soto applies the formula to each tooth. Then he tells the fox to close his jaws tight and keep them closed for a full minute. The result is delicious -- for the reader and the De Soto's, but not for the fox.

I purchased this book, Doctor De Soto, on the recommendation of a reading teacher, who informed me that William Steig's books are great reading books for advanced 2nd graders. Steig's story lines are substantial, and while the language and word usage are a little "mature", it is age appropriate.The general maxim, in 1st and 2nd grades, a child is learning to read; while starting in 3rd grade, "a child reads to learn." I am trying to get my child ready for 3rd grade reading and comprehension. I wanted my child to have a book with a story line that was a little more complex, not so formulaic or predictable. In addition, I wanted a reading book where there were many more multi-syllable words and advance vocabulary. Due to being out of school (COVID-19), she did not get a lot of advance phonics, and this book served as good practice, while telling an interest and unique story.

Fantastic story filled with humor and very clever. Subtle message. Gave this to my children, grandchildren and Dentist

as a former teacher always liked this story ...when I taught 3rd grade this was a mandatory story to read for literature. It was a cute. Bought for my granddaughter because she will be losing teeth now that she is 6 years old. The basic story is about deception , sly fox BUT the mouse dentist and his wife are full of compassion and will not be outsmarted by the fox. Very cute story to read to your child or student.

We brought him a few books but this is the one he wanted to have read to him over and over! Great imaginative story and nice illustrations.

My kids and I have always loved this book! In fact, we have purchased it as a gift for others, including for my dentist!! He loved it.