Joan Procter Dragon Doctor

By Patricia Valdez

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2018

Joan Procter was not your average girl. She would rather have tea parties with lizards than dolls. She loved reptiles so much that she even brought a crocodile to school. Joan worked hard to become respected in her career field and eventually became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. Joan even designed the Reptile House at the London Zoo. Joan Procter did amazing work to help people understand reptiles and their needs.

Joan Procter's story is an inspiration for those who walk to the beat of their own drum. Valdez's informative tone presents Joan's life in a historically accurate context without being preachy or overbearing. Additionally, Sala's illustrations relates Joan's connection to lizards through shape and color to build off the written word. This book is exceptionally well done and I applaud Valdez and Sala for creating such a beautiful biography in picture book format.

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