Doctor De Soto Goes to Africa

As a big fan of Steig, and of the original Dr. De Soto book, I was excited to find that there was a sequel. However, it was a bit of a letdown.The story isn't bad, especially on the first read. De Soto and his wife are called away to Africa to treat an ailing elephant, but before the doctor can complete his work he is kidnapped by a moronic monkey named Honkitonk. The interaction between these two is mildly amusing. You feel for De Soto's plight, but he eventually escapes to return to his beloved Deborah, and all ends well.After a few reads the story just doesn't hold up well. I find myself wishing my daughter would bring me the original instead, but the novelty of the new one hasn't worn off yet.I wouldn't discourage the purchase of this book for fellow De Soto fans, but if one were looking to purchase a Steig book, there are a number I'd recommend before this one.

Like the Dr Desoto character not sure about kid napping storyline

My kindergarten grandson absolutely went wild over the first Dr. DeSoto book (and so did we grandparents). It's a great story about a mouse dentist and his large, sometimes dangerous patients. This one is a good book too - we've read it over and over.

Just a seriously funny and fun book, fantastic for early readers.

On the must have list for anyone trying to teach the elements of story telling or writing. Strong characters, clear problem, solutions, and take away message. Get the other one too!

I have to say that I would be a lousy children's book writer as I clearly have no idea what they will think is funny. Like the original, my children thought this book was hilarious, and I have already been asked to read it again. I read the reviews and one reviewer said her kids were frightened by the kidnapping, and another reviewer by the illustrations. My kids were not in the least. But on the other hand, I have read our children Hansel and Gretel (children are abandoned by parents TWICE and a witch attempts to eat them), Little Red Riding Hood, who is stalked by a wolf who has already eaten her grandmother and intends to eat her has well, and of course the multiple murder attempts of Snow White. My kids didn't find it scary, and I didn't either- it just wasn't as good at the first Dr Desoto, which is perhaps my favorite children's book ever.

There isn't much more to say than it is written by William Steig. The intelligent language, wry humor, and refusal to talk down to his youthful readers has always marked Steig's books; this one is no exception.

I bought this for my 6 year old grand daughter. She is a great reader and loves the Doctor DeSoto books. She was thrilled to get it.

and all of Steig's books. Wonderful read- alouds.