| 9780399557255 |
| 0399557253 |
| 9780399557262 |
| 0399557261 |
Available:*
Library | Material Type | Call Number | Shelf Location | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... East Library | Children's Book | 590.72 PROC | Children's-J-Biography | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Searching... Rockrimmon Library | Children's Book | 590.72 PROC | Children's-J-Biography | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
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 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.
Author Notes
Patricia Valdez is a scientist who loves writing for children. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and currently works at the National Institutes of Health. Originally from Texas, she now lives in the Washington, D.C. area. This is her first picture book.
Felicita Sala is a self taught illustrator who studied Philosophy at the University of Western Australia. She has worked on several animation projects, but her passion is making picture books. Felicita lives in Rome with her husband and their daughter. Visit her online at FelicitaSala.com, FelicitaSala.blogspot.com, and Instagram.com/felicita.sala/
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Joan Procter, the subject of this biographical picture book, was an internationally recognized herpetologist in the early 20th century and the curator of reptiles at the British Natural History Museum. This excellent biography presents an inspirational story of a smart, dedicated female scientist. It will be an important addition to the list of newer books for children featuring the work of women in STEM fields. The story adroitly communicates Procter's determination, curiosity, and complete fascination with reptiles. Throughout the text there are many opportunities for vocabulary building, especially in regards to reptiles. Sala's vibrant artwork perfectly complements the narrative. A variety of techniques in backgrounds, word placements, and the use of black silhouettes provide depth to the pages and present readers with a variety of viewpoints. The ever-present reptiles will be the star attraction for most children, but the colorful tropical plants add atmosphere and really evoke the Reptile House. Following the story, the author includes additional biographical information on Procter, scientific details on Komodo Dragons, and a bibliography with primary and secondary sources. VERDICT An inspirational biography with exciting depictions of a variety of reptiles, including a pet Komodo dragon, that will keep any child interested-whether reading on their own or with a group. A first purchase for most libraries.-Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Valdez paints a portrait of a unique woman whose love for reptiles developed into a gratifying career. As a child, Joan Procter enjoyed the company of pet lizards, snakes, turtles, and even a crocodile. These interests led her to work as a curator at London's Natural History Museum-a position made possible because many male scientists were serving in WWI. Her expertise resulted in an invitation to redesign the Reptile House at the London Zoo, and her particular fondness for the komodo dragons drew media attention. Sala's elegantly detailed art hints at the affinity between Procter and the reptiles, whose beadlike skin echoes the pearls in Procter's necklace, as its emerald hue matches her eyes. Back matter elaborates on Procter's unconventional passion and includes a photograph of her with her pet crocodile. Ages 4-8. Author's and illustrator's agent: Kirsten Hall, Catbird Productions. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* At a time when women rarely worked in science fields, British Joan Procter defied expectations and followed her passion to become a herpetologist, first for the Natural History Museum and then for the London Zoo. As a child, Joan was fascinated by reptiles and often preferred their company to children her own age. As a young woman, she struck up a friendship with a curator at the Natural History Museum, who ultimately hired her as his assistant. Her biggest feat came when, as designer and curator of the new reptile house at the London Zoo, she studied and cared for a pair of Komodo dragons. Valdez's genial, straightforward text is beautifully matched by Sala's stylish illustrations, which render Joan as apple-cheeked and perpetually content, particularly when around her beloved reptiles. Joan's work with the Komodo dragons is especially winsome she dispelled fear about the huge creatures by famously walking through the zoo accompanied by a friendly Komodo. A closing note offers more background on Procter's work and short life, as well as some of her original paintings of reptiles. Whimsical artwork and an empowering story make this biography of a lesser-known woman scientist truly charming.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2017 Booklist
