Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

Illustrated by Felicita Sala
Paperback
$8.99 US
On sale Feb 21, 2023 | 40 Pages | 978-0-593-56885-9
A fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles!

While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!

When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

With a lively text and vibrant illustrations, scientist and writer Patricia Valdez and illustrator Felicita Sala bring to life Joan Procter's inspiring story of passion and determination.
  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Illinois State Library Monarch Award
  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Utah Children's Book Award
  • AWARD | 2019
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • RECOMMENDED | 2019
    NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
  • NOMINEE | 2019
    Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award
  • SELECTION | 2018
    Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books
FELICITA SALA received Italy's Premio Andersen for her work illustrating many books for children, including Green on Green by Dianne White; She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez; The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy; and Ode to an Onion by Alexandria Giardino. She lives in Rome, Italy. View titles by Felicita Sala

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

Classroom Activities for Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

About

A fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles!

While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!

When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

With a lively text and vibrant illustrations, scientist and writer Patricia Valdez and illustrator Felicita Sala bring to life Joan Procter's inspiring story of passion and determination.

Awards

  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Illinois State Library Monarch Award
  • NOMINEE | 2020
    Utah Children's Book Award
  • AWARD | 2019
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • RECOMMENDED | 2019
    NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
  • NOMINEE | 2019
    Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award
  • SELECTION | 2018
    Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books

Author

FELICITA SALA received Italy's Premio Andersen for her work illustrating many books for children, including Green on Green by Dianne White; She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book; Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez; The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy; and Ode to an Onion by Alexandria Giardino. She lives in Rome, Italy. View titles by Felicita Sala

Media

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

Guides

Classroom Activities for Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Books for Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every May we celebrate the rich history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we think your students will love. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

Read more