William Steig, the imaginative mind behind the iconic Shrek, once again charms readers, this time not with an ogre, but with a diminutive yet brilliant dentist – Doctor De Soto. In his celebrated picture book, Doctor De Soto, Steig introduces us to a world where mice run a thriving dental practice, catering to a diverse clientele of animals, with one very significant exception.
Doctor De Soto, along with his capable wife and assistant, Mrs. De Soto, diligently serves patients ranging from pigs to chipmunks. However, their practice operates under a strict policy: they absolutely refuse to treat animals known to prey on mice – no cats, owls, wolves, or foxes. This carefully maintained boundary is challenged when a well-dressed fox, overwhelmed by excruciating toothache, arrives at their doorstep, pleading for help.
This scenario sets the stage for a compelling narrative exploring themes of compassion, risk, and ingenuity. Do the DeSotos adhere to their safety protocols and turn away a creature that poses a mortal threat? Or do they, as medical professionals, extend their help, potentially jeopardizing their own lives?
Steig masterfully crafts this dilemma into a Newbery Honor-winning story that transcends the typical picture book format. Doctor De Soto earned numerous literary accolades, a testament to its nuanced storytelling and profound messages. It’s a narrative that subtly teaches valuable lessons about extending kindness even to potential adversaries, without sacrificing one’s own well-being.
Beneath its seemingly simple plot, Doctor De Soto delves into surprisingly complex themes. It plays with the classic trope of the trickster, but inverts it, as the potential trickster becomes the one in need of help. We witness the DeSotos grappling with a moral quandary: how to offer aid to someone who could easily become their predator. Steig ingeniously resolves this tension, presenting a solution that avoids violence and ensures everyone’s survival. The DeSotos demonstrate that compassion and self-preservation can coexist, a sophisticated message delivered with grace and wit.
Steig’s artistic talent shines through as both author and illustrator. His watercolor paintings bring to life a vibrant world of anthropomorphic animals, elegantly dressed and navigating a human-like society. The artwork, characterized by soft pinks and purples, creates a visually engaging backdrop for the expressive animal characters.
While aimed at young, elementary-aged readers, Doctor De Soto is rich in vocabulary, demonstrating Steig’s respect for children’s intellectual curiosity. He doesn’t shy away from using precise and sometimes challenging words, trusting that young readers can grasp their meaning through context and the support of his illustrations.
Although perhaps not as widely recognized in popular culture as Steig’s Shrek, Doctor De Soto has firmly established his place in the realm of children’s literature. This is a book that promises to be a cherished read for families for years to come, offering layers of meaning and enjoyment with each reading.
