About This Book
William Steig's Newbery Honor-winning picture book, Doctor De Soto, introduces young readers to a compassionate mouse dentist who, with his wife, treats animals of all sizes, except those that eat mice. The plot thickens when a fox, suffering from excruciating pain, seeks their help. Despite their initial apprehension, the De Sotos agree to treat him, only to discover the fox's predatory thoughts. This delightful story then unfolds into a clever battle of wits, as the mice devise an ingenious plan to outsmart their patient and ensure their safety. It's a wonderful read-aloud for ages 3-7, exploring themes of kindness, bravery, and ingenious problem-solving with humor and charm.
Dr. De Soto, a mouse dentist, copes with the toothaches of various animals except those with a taste for mice, until the day a fox comes to him in great pain.
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Scary Scenes
Discussion Prompts
1
Why did Dr. De Soto decide to help the fox, even though he usually doesn't treat animals that eat mice?
2
What was the De Sotos' clever plan to outsmart the fox? How did they come up with it?
3
Have you ever had to be brave when you were a little scared? What did you do?
4
What does this story teach us about being kind, but also about being smart and protecting yourself?
5
If you were Dr. De Soto, what kind of 'secret formula' might you have invented?
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