Buy new:
-28% $7.19
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$7.19 with 28 percent savings
List Price: $9.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
In Stock
$$7.19 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$7.19
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$6.24
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
This item shows wear including moderate wear to edges and cover. This item shows wear including moderate wear to edges and cover. See less
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 5 hrs 45 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$7.19 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$7.19
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

William Steig
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Doctor De Soto: (Newbery Honor Book; National Book Award Finalist) Paperback – Illustrated, April 27, 2010

by William Steig (Author, Illustrator)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 1,089 ratings
Teachers' pick
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$7.19","priceAmount":7.19,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"7","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"19","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"Ob00yiGLicMxj2QXINte0lRW8DyZ5R7ljUcI0wrsaffLz8Gk%2FzO8417awjlBwZEE%2B4%2B8RDOuILHh%2BMGd%2BFKDQcE8JYhk3ttGhoogOH%2FJhzRm8je4JMmAT%2FwLKwlitP3TOyk8yseVvco%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.24","priceAmount":6.24,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"24","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"Ob00yiGLicMxj2QXINte0lRW8DyZ5R7lU4KUMIJUXGnSZ25%2FNcMFPfobsx4cRfSeVsiq8XiWNqe9S9bIewudHkGpoc2MoFODhq%2FTUTjTUZ1wJEU3UX53ZhnT8SnZx0G%2Bk7%2B445sZecRchGan893mxk%2Fazf%2FXQ7DFsDEIPU0llJXD%2BCn1AyXHOMd1R9g%2B4s7L","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

From the incomparable William Steig, creator of Shrek, comes a story that proves even a fox can be out-foxed by a clever mouse in Doctor De Soto, a Newbery Honor Book.

"Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work." With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain.

Since he's a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat "dangerous" animals--that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn't give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way.

Doctor De Soto is a 1982 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1983 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books, and a 1983 Newbery Honor Book.

Made into an animated short film in 1984 by American director and animator Michael Sporn.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 6 years, from customers
  2. Part of series
    Doctor De Soto
  3. Print length
    32 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Grade level
    Preschool and up
  6. Lexile measure
    AD560L
  7. Dimensions
    8.55 x 0.1 x 9.95 inches
  8. Publisher
    Square Fish
  9. Publication date
    April 27, 2010
  10. ISBN-10
    0312611897
  11. ISBN-13
    978-0312611897
  12. See all details
Next page
Amazon First Reads | Editors' picks at exclusive prices

Frequently bought together

Doctor De Soto: (Newbery Honor Book; National Book Award Finalist)
$7.19
Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble: Book and CD
$9.89
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Amos & Boris
$7.19
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I cannot imagine childhood without Steig: Sylvester, Pearl, Caleb, and now Doctor De Soto.” ―The Dallas Morning News

“This is one of those picture books that are so good I'd just like to quote the whole thing.” ―Philadelphia Inquirer

“Simple but sly, a mischievously imaginative rendition of the classic theme.” ―Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Doctor De Soto is a mouse dentist who . . . operates a clinic open to all except animals threatening to mice. What to do, then, when a weeping and wailing fox shows up for treatment? . . . There is great wit and good fun in the illustrations.” ―Booklist, Starred Review

About the Author

William Steig (1907-2003) was a cartoonist, illustrator and author of award-winning books for children, including Shrek!, on which the DreamWorks movies are based. Steig was born in New York City. Every member of his family was involved in the arts, and so it was no surprise when he decided to become an artist. He attended City College and the National Academy of Design. In 1930, Steig’s work began appearing in The New Yorker, where his drawings have been a popular fixture ever since. He published his first children's book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968. In 1970, Steig received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. His books for children also include Dominic; The Real Thief; The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book; Amos & Boris, a National Book Award finalist; and Abel's Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. Steig's books have also received the Christopher Award, the Irma Simonton Black Award, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and the American Book Award. His European awards include the Premio di Letteratura per l'infanzia (Italy), the Silver Pencil Award (the Netherlands), and the Prix de la Fondation de France. On the basis of his entire body of work, Steig was selected as the 1982 U.S. candidate for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Illustration and subsequently as the 1988 U.S. candidate for Writing. Steig also published thirteen collections of drawings for adults, beginning with About People in 1939, and including The Lonely Ones, Male/Female, The Agony in the Kindergarten, and Our Miserable Life. He died in Boston at the age of 95.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Square Fish; 1st edition (April 27, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312611897
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312611897
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 6 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD560L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.55 x 0.1 x 9.95 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 1,089 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
William Steig

William Steig

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

William Steig (1907–2003) published his first children’s book, Roland the Minstrel Pig, in 1968, and received the Caldecott Medal for Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (978-1416902065) in 1970. His works also include The Amazing Bone, a Caldecott Honor Book, and Abel’s Island and Doctor De Soto, both Newbery Honor Books. His most recent books published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux are Shrek! (released by DreamWorks as a major motion picture) and Wizzil, illustrated by Quentin Blake. School Library Journal named Shrek! a Best Book of 1990 and said of it, "Steig's inimitable wit and artistic dash have never been sharper or more expertly blended."

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
1,089 global ratings
This is a great story. I bought it to give as a ...
1 Star
This is a great story. I bought it to give as a ...
This is a great story. I bought it to give as a gift but I did not realize it would be a very worn old library book.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

doc
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and clever
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
Fantastic story filled with humor and very clever. Subtle message. Gave this to my children, grandchildren and Dentist
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars My 7 year old grandson loves this book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
We brought him a few books but this is the one he wanted to have read to him over and over! Great imaginative story and nice illustrations.
Helpful
 Report
J. Manchester
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for kids to begin reading multi-syllable words
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2020
Verified Purchase
I purchased this book, Doctor De Soto, on the recommendation of a reading teacher, who informed me that William Steig's books are great reading books for advanced 2nd graders. Steig's story lines are substantial, and while the language and word usage are a little "mature", it is age appropriate.

The general maxim, in 1st and 2nd grades, a child is learning to read; while starting in 3rd grade, "a child reads to learn." I am trying to get my child ready for 3rd grade reading and comprehension. I wanted my child to have a book with a story line that was a little more complex, not so formulaic or predictable. In addition, I wanted a reading book where there were many more multi-syllable words and advance vocabulary. Due to being out of school (COVID-19), she did not get a lot of advance phonics, and this book served as good practice, while telling an interest and unique story.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Scott Lopano
5.0 out of 5 stars Son's new favorite
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
Cute story line, funny ending, great illustrations. My sons are 4 and 5 and they loved it! Highly recommend.
Helpful
 Report
whitecha
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful fun
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
William Steig’s books are those rare gems that parents, as well as children, laugh over at each reading as if it’s the first time. The illustrations are as clever as the stories and they are timeless classic humor. I bought this family favorite as a gift for my dentist, who really appreciated the humor.
Helpful
 Report
Penny
5.0 out of 5 stars A very fun “tongue in cheek” book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
My kids and I have always loved this book! In fact, we have purchased it as a gift for others, including for my dentist!! He loved it.
Helpful
 Report
Mary Ann Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars as a former teacher always liked this story
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2021
Verified Purchase
as a former teacher always liked this story ...when I taught 3rd grade this was a mandatory story to read for literature. It was a cute. Bought for my granddaughter because she will be losing teeth now that she is 6 years old. The basic story is about deception , sly fox BUT the mouse dentist and his wife are full of compassion and will not be outsmarted by the fox. Very cute story to read to your child or student.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ohioan
5.0 out of 5 stars Compassion Accompanied by Prudence
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2012
Verified Purchase
This is the story of Doctor De Soto, a mouse who is a dentist to other animals. All other animals except "dangerous" animals, that is -- dangerous to mice. Dr De Soto and his assistant, Mrs. De Soto, will not (Repeat: Not!) treat cats, no matter what dental pain a cat may be in.

But then one day a fox (Dangerous Animal!) stands out on the street beneath the dentist's office and wails in pain from a sore tooth. Even though they know they shouldn't do so, the De Soto's allow the fox into their office and Dr. De Soto extracts the sore tooth. The fox immediately thinks of eating the two mice. But Dr. De Soto has built a new gold tooth for the fox, and the tooth can't be installed until the next day, so the fox puts off eating the mice until tomorrow.

Dr. De Soto and his wife are up all night, knowing that when the dentist inserts the gold tooth, the fox will eat them. But then Dr. De Soto gets a brilliant idea. The next day, before he installs the fox's tooth, he asks the fox if he would like to be the very first recipient of a new preparation which will prevent cavities or any kind of tooth pain ever again. The fox readily agrees and Dr. De Soto applies the formula to each tooth. Then he tells the fox to close his jaws tight and keep them closed for a full minute. The result is delicious -- for the reader and the De Soto's, but not for the fox.
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Kristina
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing imagery and vocabulary
Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
We love Dr. De Soto. The author does a tremendous job creating wonderful imagery and does not limit the choices of words he delivers to his young audience. We enjoyed learning new descriptions through this magnificent book.
Report
Kimbo
5.0 out of 5 stars Children's book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
Its a loverly book with great illustrations. Not too hard to read for a 7yr old who i got it for.
Report
Amazon Kunde
5.0 out of 5 stars Preis
Reviewed in Germany on March 8, 2019
Verified Purchase
Tolles Buch
Report
Indiana
5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter loves this book!
Reviewed in Australia on August 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
Such a great story with very cute illustrations. Despite being for kids older than 2 my 2 year old daughter loves this book and manages to follow the story.
Report
Bapt
5.0 out of 5 stars Parfait
Reviewed in France on January 1, 2013
Verified Purchase
Livre qui correspond à mon attente...

Ce même livre existe en français ; il peut-être utilisé dans le cadre de l'apprentissage de l'anglais.

Livraison rapide.
Report