Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast

by Sophie Gilmore

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.

Watercolor 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.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Womens, Illness

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 15, 2019

About the author

Sophie Gilmore is a writer and illustrator living in Italy. She works with watercolour and pen and illustrates friend, foe, and ordinary girls quietly doing extraordinary things. Sometimes all in one book.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is horrifying. This little girl is a doctor to alligators and they are all over the place. I have been to Gatorland in Florida and it was a terrifying experience. The creatures are from a different time. It really is creepy being surrounded by them. This little girl has them all around her.

Honestly, I don’t like when kids books use alligators as cute animals as they can never be trained or tamed. Kids can’t mess around with them. We are food to them. Anyway…

The book has a cute ending and the doctor girl is a fearless beast but I didn’t care for this book much. It gave me the willies. I said that to the nephew and he asked what the willies were. He thought the book was pretty good. He said that because it gave me the willies. He thought the big monster alligator was cool. He gave this 4 stars.

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story that goes along with Sophie Gilmore's mutely coloured illustrations in Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast is just lovely. It's about a little doctor (girl) who helps all the crocodiles in her area that are injured, even the mean ones. Without jamming the idea of: preserving the environment (as some of the crocodiles injuries are from human garbage) or eliminating discrimination we are engaged in a story that 'talks' (without talking) about both. I love how subtle and clever Gilmore has been with the illustrations enhancing the message of the actual text. Sometimes things are better left unsaid.
This writer/illustrator, originally from Britain (who now lives in Italy) has done a great job at creating a children's book with enough story to feel complete and words that lyrically roll off the tongue when read aloud. This is a gem of a book and one I could see many children wanting read to them night and night again. Let's hope the children subconsciously understand the garbage and discrimination points that lie under the story of a doctor who wanted to help everyone, no matter what.

To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This parable tells about a young girl who takes care of the biggest and vicious animals in her neighbourhood. When the meanest and most vicious crocodile comes to her for help, she wants to solve it, but it going to be difficult. With some ingenuity and daring, she is able to help the reptile. This is a retelling of the lion and the mouse. Of course you can also use this tale to talk about the environment and what happens when you are not careful with waste products. I really liked the illustrations. They are done in muted colours to show the tone of the story with great expression and emotion evident. A great book to use with students when teaching about parables, morals, lessons, character development etc. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the storytelling feel of a folktale Gilmore evokes a place far from me, a place with lots of crocodiles. I love the interaction between Little Doctor and the crocodiles and. The tales of fierce beasts.

It reminds me of The Jungle Book only without the baggage of colonial Britain's disdain for women and native peoples. Reading this together with Freda and the Blue Beetle and Terrific! accentuates that comparison.

Library copy

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really enjoy this one. Not that it was bad, but probably too far away from me in the storyline and the illustrations styles as well. (Book quality 3,5/5. personal appreciation 2/5. I give it 2,5/5.)

[Cecelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a girl veterinarian who lives somewhere deep in the jungle. Now imagine that she treats... crocodiles! What would her clinic look like? What kinds of injuries would crocodiles have and a Little Doctor heal? What kinds of stories could crocodiles tell? Sophie Gilmore's debut picture book Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast takes that premise and those questions and spins a yarn that is engrossing and satisfying.

Apparently when crocodiles tell tales, their legends are full of "terrible danger, dizzying escapes, and acts of great mischief." And if you treat them well, as Little Doctor does, crocodiles will share their stories as a reward. Little Doctor and her crocodile patients are part of an absolutely beautiful and patently charming picture book that always feels just one jaw snap from disaster, but full of kindness as well. As a bonus, Gilmore's storytelling is matched (or exceeded, even!) by her fantastic illustrations.

Each page spread in Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast is full of details to be examined and pored over read after reread. There are crocodiles in every corner of Little Doctor's home, and it's fun to anticipate where the next one will be. When Big Mean (the biggest, most fearsome creature of all!) comes on the scene, the spreads get even more creative. How will such a big animal (reptile??) fit in Little Doctor's house? Especially when Big Mean is feeling mean and uncooperative?

Gilmore's watercolor and pencil illustrations are a delight. She masterfully captures light, shading, texture and color, and adds whimsy and magic to boot. Both adults and children will enjoy the dangerous suspense of sharp teeth juxtaposed with fearless kindness. Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast is an unexpected (and welcome) surprise, and a soon-to-be classic.

Recommended for: storytimes and read-alouds with little ones ages 4-7 (especially with children who love animals, reptiles, and a little bit of bite), and for fans of beautifully illustrated picture books à la Where the Wild Things Are.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Doctor takes care of crocodiles. She offers kindness and gentleness while she marvels at their big jaws and muscular tails. They share their stories with her as she treats their ailments and heals them. Still, when Big Mean, the largest crocodile of all, comes to her clinic, Little Doctor isn’t sure that she will be able to help. Big Mean won’t let her close enough to figure out what is wrong. Little Doctor won’t give up though and manages to get herself in quite a dangerous spot as she falls into Big Mean’s open jaws. But what she finds there teaches her that Big Mean isn’t that mean after all.

Gilmore’s picture book creates a fascinating dynamic between human and beast. The human is the smaller and weaker one here, giving help to the huge green creatures. I also appreciate that the doctor is a girl, bravely working with animals who have sharp teeth and certainly aren’t cuddly in any way. Her bravery and kindness form the heart of the story as does the natural building of trust between her and Big Mean. Readers will think that Little Doctor has made a huge mistake, but in the end, her knowledge and deep trust shines through.

Gilmore’s art is filled with small details, particularly when showing Little Doctor’s clinic. From the eggs in display stands to the series of different sized and shaped windows, this is a special space. Gilmore fills the rooms with crocodiles, huge swaths of green scales that are daunting. The images very successfully support the story.

A grand look at trust, kindness and care filled with crocodiles and one brave young doctor. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Improves and gains depth with multiple readings. Has a subtle, luminous brilliance to it. Highly recommended for ages 4-7.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice story, about the Little Doctor, and her efforts in caring for alligators!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, the cover of this book doesn’t give this book the justice it deserves, I don’t think. The story inside is breathtaking. I had feared the worst but I knew it couldn’t be that bad considering it was a children’s book but this story had me. It’s a charming, tantalizing story that will pull you in.

Deep in the jungle there lives Little Doctor who cares for the crocodiles that come to her. Her pay? Tales. The crocodiles tell her amazing stories of escapes, horrible dangers and troubles that amaze Little Doctor.

One day while working, one of the stories that she had heard arrived outside her door. SURPRISE! It was the biggest crocodile in the land! Only today, the mouth of this beast had its mouth clamped shut. He needs her help.

As Little Doctor went to work examining the Big Mean, the legend followed the doctor’s every move with its eyes, as she tried to find out what is wrong with the beast. Boy, Little Doctor is a very good and fearless doctor! When she goes to take her temperature, she is met with resistance. Over and over again, she tries to get the large monster to open its mouth but she refuses. How can she finish her examination and found out what is wrong with Big Mean if she can’t take her temperature? How can she get Big Mean to open her mouth?

I liked the suspense and the mystery in this picture book. You know there has to be a reason why Big Mean won’t open her mouth but what is it? How can Little Doctor get a huge crocodile to open its mouth? The persistence of Little Doctor is great and I liked her facial expressions. The illustrations are wonderful, as they are full of imagination. Makes you wonder why we all didn’t become vets like we wanted to when we were little.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a children’s picture book about a little girl who is a doctor for all of the crocodiles and has to help the big mean crocodile.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that I can say I would have "gobbled" up as a child! (I loved anything to do with a little girl taking care of animals.) I know it's a kids' book so brevity is important, but I wish the author had gone into more detail on the stories the crocodiles told her in exchange for her care. Overall, however, it was a really fun book.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the author's note that this was inspired by a family member who really is a crocodile doctor.

I like the the crocodiles tell stories to pay for their treatment.

I like that Big Mean is really super protective, not mean. Especially with animals, we may see actions that we don't understand, but that doesn't mean that they're bad or mean.

[❂ Ann ❂ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone I respect and admire read this book aloud to a group of us, recently. Ever since that night, the story has stayed with me. This is a cautionary tale which can be peeled away in layers. It is a story which was created by accretions. I've observed the following upon the first reading. There is a child called Little Doctor who cares for crocodiles; there is mutual admiration. Crocodiles traveled far and wide from the deepest woods, the darkest of forests and murderous terrains to be healed by Little Doctor. She gains a reputation for removing splinters, setting broken bones and lifting crocodile depression. In exchange for Little Doctor's kindness, these crocs would reward her with stories and legends about facing imminent danger, dizzying escapades and "great mischief." Obviously, this was positive reinforcement for Little Doctor because one day she decides to treat Big Mean, the biggest beast in the land with "stony eyes" and "jaws large enough to devour" her. Big Mean proves to be a tough patient for Little Doctor because she kept everything inside and there was very little communication. This made Little Doctor panic because what kind of doctor-patient relationship can you have when the patient doesn't open their mouth? ...yet Little Doctor did not give up because she cares for the creature. The reader starts to see Big Mean is picky about what can or cannot be done to her. Will Little Doctor and Big Mean be able to communicate on some level? And what level would this be when all you can do is pantomime? Meanness doesn't just come out of nowhere. And those who so desperately want to help others may not, initially, be welcome. How do you overcome the barriers? These are only a few questions I pondered. If one communicates with "brute" strength and the other with "nosy" persistence--what a tangled mess life would be, indeed.

The author/illustrator said she wrote this book while living on a houseboat in London. It definitely has that feel. The illustrations are with soft, muted greens. I'm reminded of Sendak and botanical gardens. It's charming and beautiful.

[Erin]

The final sentence of the author bio on the back flap says that this book “...was inspired by a real-life Doctor of Crocodiles in her family.” Either tell about the inspiration or don’t tell, but why half-ass it? Who is this Doctor and how did they inspire this really weird yet sweet story?

When I’m ambivalent about a story a good afterward or author’s note can change my whole perspective. In this case, I was pleased but not blown away by the story. It was quirky and cute and wonderfully strange. The illustrations struck me as unusual and lovely.

But who was the original crocodile doctor?!? I must know.

[Get used to disappointment.]

[Ember Air · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this adorable story a little girl is the doctor to great beasts! She trusts them and treats them with such care, and hardly ever even considers the word “fear”. Until she meets the biggest of the animals who is unhappy. The Little Doctor has to work hard to earn the trust of the biggest animal, but also has to learn how to confront her own fear so it doesn’t stand in her way to helping every animal. Very cute story book with a heart-warming message: Trust takes time and fear is okay – but pushing through that fear is required for happiness.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice clean children's story of a child practicing to be a veterinarian in the swamps of Louisiana. (I am presuming Louisiana because of the gators and lack of supervision and canned six pack beverage consumption) Teaches children important values such as patience and trust. The most important lesson in this story is awareness to recycle.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crocodile retelling of the lion and the mouse. The Big Mean crocodile has a problem, and little doctor wants to solve it. But it will take some daring and some cleverness to get the job done. The illustrations are lovely, and the story while common, was told in an endearing way.

#LitsyAtoZchildrens

[robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure when I first started, but I fell in love with this book. The protagonist, a young girl, shows persistence in the face of fear and shows determination to solve a problem. I think this is a good book, but a great one for young girls with a new mantra: "I am a fearless beast!" Love the ending, loved the book.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6 year old daughter picks this book to read almost every night. I try to review books based on my children’s interest and not mine. I honestly don’t understand the draw to this book (it does have great illustrations), but it wouldn’t be my first pick. My daughter would undoubtedly give this 4 stars!

[MaryLibrarianOH · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl doctor helps a crocodile who acting mean and won't say what is wrong. The problem is unexpected and a reminder to take care of our environment. Soft colors in the art keep the story from being scary.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different kind of tale (tail?) - pretty cool. I didn’t see where this was going.

Plus, I like kids’ books about bravery. This would have been fun to read to my kids when they were little.

Thanks to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for a copy in return for an honest review.

[Garin College · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic picture book, full of detailed illustrations and with a great message about bravery and caring for our environment. Love the brave doctor, and the trust she builds with her "patients ". Recommended.

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantasy version of a vet who helps potentially dangerous animals. Little Doctor specializes in crocodiles. And the biggest and meanest needs help. The other patients steer clear, but Little Doctor is unafraid.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a little girl who cures crocodiles of illnesses and one big mean crocodile that won't let her get close until she discovers his problem. Slightly scary read to K-2nd graders. Happy ending helps and talking about bravery.

[Sara-Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always on the lookout for picture books, this one is wonderful! The pictures are fun and full of color and movement and detail. The story is of a brave and ingenious girl who helps and heals crocodiles of all sorts and sizes. A tremendous addition to your child's library!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO PRETTY!!!!!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- Unique, cute, and thought provoking story about a doctor and her unusual, snappy patients!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl, known as the "Little Doctor," fixes up sick and injured crocodiles in this charming little picture book.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little doctor helps the meanest crocodile.