Starred Review ALA Booklist (Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2017)

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 winsome e 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.

School Library Journal Starred Review (Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 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 interestedwhether reading on their own or with a group. A first purchase for most libraries. Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library

Kirkus Reviews

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)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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. (Mar.)