Open Your Mouth and Say ‘Ah!’

Doctor De Soto
Written & Illustrated by William Steig
Age Level: 3-7 Years
Published November 1, 1982

Help me, and then I’ll eat you.

I first discovered Doctor De Soto as a child at one of my dentist appointments. The copy was well worn, with fraying edges and curled pages from many happy readings. As I waited for the receptionist to call my name, I lifted the cover and was instantly immersed in its witty story. My daughter Caroline has her first dental visit today, so in preparation we’ve been talking a lot about what to expect, and reading this classic tale.

Doctor De Soto is a talented dentist who runs a popular practice with his wife. They serve animals of all types and sizes, but they refuse to treat any creatures that are dangerous to mice. Then one day, a fox comes by with a terrible toothache, and Doctor De Soto feels duty bound to help him. 

“ ‘Please!’ the fox wailed. ‘Have mercy, I’m suffering!’ And he wept so bitterly it was pitiful to see.”

There is wonderful suspense around whether or not the De Sotos can treat the sly fox and still come out alive. My son covers his eyes and peeks between his fingers throughout the fox’s procedure. The couple’s clever and brilliantly executed plan will delight young and old readers alike.

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