December 15, 2017
Valdez introduces Joan Procter, whose lifelong love of reptiles yielded a career at London's Natural History Museum and the London Zoo. Avid for reptiles from childhood, Joan received a crocodile for her 16th birthday. First assisting, then succeeding the museum's curator of reptiles, Joan surveyed the collections, published papers, and made models for exhibits. Her designs for the zoo's reptile house incorporated innovative lighting and heating as well as plants and artwork evoking the reptiles' habitats. Joan's reputation soared with the arrival of two 7-foot-long Komodo dragons, coinciding with the reptile house's opening. Presenting a paper at the Zoological Society, Joan brought along one of them, Sumbawa, who ate a pigeon whole and strolled among attendees. Valdez's narrative alludes to Procter's poor health obliquely: pet reptiles cheered her "on the days Joan was too sick to attend school," and a later spread depicts her "riding through the zoo" in a wheelchair. (An appended note explains that a "chronic intestinal illness" led to Joan's death at just 34.) Sala portrays stylized reptiles and 1920s-era British clothing. People's skin tones range from stark white to various tans and browns. Indeed, although she was white, Joan's skin varies throughout, sometimes appearing white and pink and others times various shades of beige.This view into Procter's brief life connects her early passion for reptiles with her innovative career combining scientific research, practice, art, and design. (author's note, bibliography of primary sources, photographs) (Picture book/biography. 6-8)
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February 19, 2018
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.
Starred review from December 1, 2017
Grades K-3 *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 winsomeshe 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2018
�Aug Notes]Valdez presents an affirming picture-book biography of herpetologist, researcher, and zoo-exhibit designer Joan Procter (18971931). Readers are immersed in Procter's world, from her childhood bedroom (where she developed her obsession with lizards) to the museums and zoos of early-twentieth-century London. Sala's illustrations portray a stylish woman of the 1920s--with a variety of small lizards present on her shoulders and wrists. Bib.
(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
May 1, 2018
Joan Procter (1897-1931) was fascinated by reptiles and engaged with them as an herpetologist, researcher, and zoo-exhibit designer?but also on a personal level, forging connections with animals not generally perceived as being friendly to humans. In Valdez's affirming picture-book biography, readers are immersed in Procter's world, from her childhood bedroom (where she developed her obsession with lizards and her talents in observing and documenting their characteristics) to the museums and zoos of early-twentieth-century London (where the arrival of the first Komodo dragons from Indonesia caused a public and scholarly sensation). Valdez refers subtly throughout the book to the chronic illness that led to Procter's death at age thirty-four but mainly emphasizes all that Procter accomplished in her short life: important contributions to reptile taxonomy, the modern design ?of the Reptile House at the London Zoo, and fearless interactions with ?Sumbawa the Komodo dragon. Sala's illustrations portray a stylish woman of the 1920s, with a long rope of pearls around her neck?and a variety of small lizards on her shoulders and wrists?communing with the creatures she loved. The final pages include photographs of Procter as a young girl and adult woman as well as more details about her remarkable life and about Komodo dragons. Appended with a substantial bibliography. danielle j. ford
(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
Starred review from January 1, 2018
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
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