William Steig, the imaginative mind behind the beloved ogre Shrek, achieves something truly special in children’s literature: he makes us root for a dentist. In his charming picture book, Doctor De Soto, Steig introduces readers to a remarkable dental professional and his equally capable wife, Mrs. De Soto.
Doctor and Mrs. De Soto are, it should be noted, mice. Their dental practice caters to a wide array of animals – pigs, cows, donkeys, moles, chipmunks, and creatures of all shapes and sizes. However, there’s a strict rule in their practice: they never treat animals known to prey on mice, such as cats, owls, wolves, or foxes. That is, until one fateful day.
A well-dressed fox, clearly in agonizing pain from a terrible toothache, arrives at their doorstep pleading for help. The dilemma the DeSotos face is at the heart of this captivating story: can they, in good conscience, turn away a creature in desperate need? Or do they risk their very lives by offering treatment to a natural predator who might, at any moment, decide to make them his next meal?
Steig masterfully crafts this narrative with a unique blend of wit and empathy. Doctor De Soto is more than just a children’s book; it’s a Newbery Honor recipient, an accolade typically reserved for longer chapter books, and a winner of numerous other literary awards. This recognition speaks to the story’s depth and resonance. At its core, Doctor De Soto is a tale of compassion, ingenuity, and the instinct for self-preservation. It subtly teaches young readers that kindness and self-protection are not mutually exclusive, even when dealing with potential adversaries.
Beneath the seemingly simple surface of the story lie profound themes. Steig cleverly subverts the traditional trickster trope, where the cunning one often becomes the tricked. We witness the DeSotos grappling with a complex moral situation: how to extend help to someone who might betray their generosity. Steig provides a solution that is both ingenious and non-violent. The DeSotos navigate this precarious situation, ensuring their safety without resorting to aggression or abandoning their principles. This nuanced message, delivered with Steig’s signature style and subtlety, is a rare and valuable lesson.
William Steig’s talents extend beyond writing; he also illustrated Doctor De Soto. His watercolor paintings bring to life a bustling world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals dressed in human attire, navigating their city on two legs. The artwork is characterized by soft pinks and purples, creating a visually appealing backdrop for the expressive animal characters.
While designed for elementary school-aged children, Steig’s writing is rich with sophisticated vocabulary. He demonstrates a respect for young readers’ intelligence, trusting them to grasp new words within the context of the engaging story and supportive illustrations.
While Doctor De Soto and his wife may not have reached the global phenomenon status of Steig’s Shrek, they have firmly established their place in the realm of classic children’s literature. Doctor De Soto is a book that promises to be enjoyed and revisited by families for years to come, offering valuable lessons wrapped in a delightful and suspenseful package.
