Author(s): Sophie Gilmore

Picture | Children's book sale

Crocodiles come from far and wide to seek Little Doctor's care. She treats each one with skill and kindness--even the toughest crocs with thick skins and large, powerful jaws. Little Doctor marvels at these fearless beasts, listening to their stories, while she diagnoses and cures what ails them. But when she meets Big Mean, the largest crocodile in the land with jaws clamped tightly shut, Little Doctor can't figure out what's wrong. And she might be just a little bit afraid.

When one creative idea lands Little Doctor right inside Big Mean's tremendous jaws, she is sure she'll be munched or crunched--until she sees that Big Mean isn't so horrible, after all. As it turns out, the crocodile is only protecting her hatchlings, all tangled in plastic, inside her mouth.

Watercolour illustrations create a richly imagined world in this awe-inspiring story about how even little kids can be fearless, and even big, mean creatures sometimes need help.

Review: A young girl must figure out a way to help a sharp-toothed and fearsome creature many times her size... A rousing, toothy adventure.-- "Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"
An auspicious picture book debut!-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"
An enthralling demonstration of kindness in action, helmed by a confident, brown-skinned girl in a doctor's coat.-- "Booklist, STARRED REVIEW"
An unexpected (and welcome) surprise, and a soon-to-be classic.-- "The Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia"
Atmospheric and quietly humorous, [it] will appeal to fans of adventure and legends.-- "School Library Journal"
Children will be able to read and relate and enjoy this story.-- "Picture Book Builders"
Gilmore's breezy tone keeps scariness at bay... and her illustrations are at once dreamy and believable. The conceit of a primary school-aged child who is already a seasoned medical professional provides charm from the outset, and Little Doctor's bravery comes from wisdom and kindness.-- "Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW"
It would be a welcome addition to personal, public and school library collections.-- "Canadian Review of Materials"
The story seems so simple, and yet is a mile deep. It is about persistence, compassion, and respect.-- "Sally's Bookshelf"
This is a dreamy story, wrapped in a gorgeous package, with an important environmentalist reminder.-- "The Horn Book"
With its softly detailed, virtuoso art and a perfectly wrought story full of heart and respect for the imaginative rules of children's play, this debut shines.-- "The New York Times"

Author Biography: SOPHIE GILMORE is an author and illustrator who, until recently, was based in London, but can now be found in Pisa, Italy. She studied illustration at Edinburgh College of Art and works with watercolor, gouache and pen, though a little coloring pencil and the occasional monochromatic linocuts find their way in. Much of her work stems from the curiousness of human nature and the wordless magic in a friendship between children and animals.