Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor
Patricia Valdez
Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles
(Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2018)
Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual tea party guests: slithery and scaly ones. When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious Komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children’s tea parties—with her Komodo dragon as the guest of honor. This book brings to life Joan Procter’s inspiring story of passion and determination.
10:00 AM | Bethel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
Patricia Valdez
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE PANEL
Patricia Valdez is a scientist who loves writing for children. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently works at the National Institutes of Health. Originally from Texas, she now lives in the Washington, D.C. area.
The Children’s Literature Panel will be moderated by Illona Holland. Ms. Holland received her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, where she later served on the faculty. In her retirement she has taken up writing award-winning children’s books.