Doctor De Soto

         For those who don't know, William Steig wrote the original story Shrek. Almost everyone else knows that story was turned into 3 or more non-small child friendly movies. The original Shrek is great. Funny and weird with that brand of humor that appeals to children.

          Steig has a unique style. The humor is sharp enough so that adults can get a laugh, but very simple so that kids can follow the zany stories with glee. One of Steig's other jewels is a short story called Doctor De Soto.

 

           Doctor De Soto is a mouse with a thriving dental practice. However, he has one abolute policy. The good doctor refuses to treat "dangerous animals"- animals who have a taste for mice. One day a fox shows up at his door in misery. How can the kind-hearted doctor turn him away? But how can he keep himself safe at the same time? Clever Doctor De Soto will find a way.

 

I was able to find a copy of this at our local used bookstore for a few dollars. Well worth the price. I remember Dad reading this to me over and over when I was little. It is one of my favorites. Sharp, bright illustrations with eye-catching details. 

 

For those interested, this has a AD560 Lexile measure.