Dr. De Soto, a mouse dentist, and his assistant, Mrs. De Soto, make a nearly fatal error in judgment when they agree to accept an ailing fox as a new patient. Bright full color illustrations fully integrated with the text add humor to a remarkably well-written, imaginative story in which the De Sotos out fox the fox. Outstanding in concept and development. (Winner, CCBC Mock Caldecott Straw Vote) (4-11 years)

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.