Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor
Book description
Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets... While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with…
Why read it?
4 authors picked Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
There is so much to love about this biography on scientist Joan Procter—from a girl having a tea party with lizards... to her journey of becoming a scientist and curator... to her alliance with real-life dragons! And every spread of this book slithers with stunning reptiles thanks to illustrator Felicita Sala. In the back matter, readers learn that the zoologist died at the young age of 34 due to complications from a chronic illness. But because of this inspirational biography, Procter’s story—and love of reptiles—will live on and on in the minds of young readers.
From Karlin's list on picture-book biographies for young animal lovers.
Reptiles and Komodo dragons, oh my! Joan Procter loved reptiles so much she received a crocodile for her sixteenth birthday. In spite of a chronic illness, Procter channeled her passion for reptiles into a career at London’s Natural History Museum and the London Zoo at a time when it was difficult for women to pursue such work. Against the odds of her health and gender, Procter conducted scientific research, published papers, and invented innovative lighting and design for the Zoo’s reptile house. Children will enjoy her story while also absorbing the message about following your passion and persisting through adversity.
From Lisa's list on biographies about perseverance.
I generally enjoy stories about groundbreaking female scientists, but this one grabbed me immediately because Joan Procter defied multiple stereotypes as a woman working with (creepy, crawly) lizards! I wrote one of my picture books, Except When They Don’t, to remind young readers and their grown-ups that gender shouldn’t define what clothes kids can wear, what activities they can do, or what careers they can have. So these lines, “Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests. Slithery and scaly, they turned over teacups and crawled past…
From Laura's list on introducing real scientists to children.
Doesn’t everyone have a komodo dragon as a guest of honor at a tea party? Even as a young child, Joan preferred her scaly, slithery, reptile friends. She even brought a crocodile to school one day! Kids will love learning about reptiles along with this real-life woman who championed them.
From Laurie's list on biographies of women in STEM.
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