Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast

Little Doctor, depicted as an endearing child wearing a crocodile patterned outfit beneath her white doctor’s coat, runs a clinic in an unspecified, verdant location. At the clinic, she helps sick and wounded crocodiles. She truly loves her work, and, as she eases the crocodiles’ suffering, she takes time to admire their “tough armor and large powerful jaws”. In return for her care, patients tell stories of danger and mischief. Amongst their tales is one about Big Mean, the largest and fiercest croc in the land.

When Big Mean, herself, arrives with a problem, she is distrustful and resists Little Doctor’s help. The doctor tenaciously persists but suddenly finds herself right inside Big Mean’s jaws. Believing her end is near, instead Little Doctor finds the purpose of Big Mean’s visit. She is protecting tiny hatchling crocodiles in her mouth, each hatchling entangled in plastic debris. As Little Doctor frees them, she knows that Big Mean also has compassion.

Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast is a first book by this author/illustrator, and the story, with its message about appreciating and understanding animals on their own terms, will grow on you each time you read it. Both the good and the bad of the relationship between animals and human are highlighted, revealing the fearlessness of those who protect animals and the carelessness of those who cause them harm by polluting the environment.

Several double-page spreads feature bold illustrations of crocodiles that contrast beautifully with fine, more delicate whimsical minutiae that delight. For instance, the doctor’s cozy surgery is replete with a croc skeleton, a library, a first aid kit, crocodile toys, plants and numerous other intriguing details. The watercolor artwork with its predominance of soft greens reflects the lush tropical nature of the crocodiles’ surroundings.

The entertaining and directly written text reveals the dynamics between humans and animals with Little Doctor’s braveness and kindness being pivotal and reflecting that every creature on this planet needs to be understood. The story also subtly draws the attention of young children to the desperate pollution of the world’s waterways.

Little Doctor and the Fearless Beast is a charming read on a topic that intrigues children, large and small. It is beautifully illustrated with positive messages. It would be a welcome addition to personal, public and school library collections.