Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

For fans of Ada Twist: Scientist comes a fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist--who loved reptiles!

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.

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year selection

• Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
• Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
• Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code (People Who Shaped Our World)
• The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs: The Story of Ken Nedimyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation
• The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague (Amazing Scientists)
• Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere
• Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain
• Mae Among the Stars
• Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World
• The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid