Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets…. While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere–she even brought a crocodile to school!
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.
WATCH and LISTEN to Brightly Storytime presenting Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez, illustrated by Felicita Sala:
FINGERPLAY: Five Green Dragons
Five green dragons making such a roar. (hold up and wiggle five fingers on one hand)
One danced away and then there were four. (fold down one finger)
Four green dragons dancing around a tree. (wiggle the four fingers left)
One danced away and then there were three. (fold down another finger)
Three green dragons dancing around you. (wiggle the three fingers left)
One danced away and then there were two. (fold down another finger)
Two green dragons dancing in the sun. (wiggle the two fingers left)
One danced away and then there was one. (fold down another finger)
One green dragon having lots of fun. (wiggle the one finger left)
She danced away and then there were none. (spread out both hands, palms upwards)
COLOR a Komodo Dragon coloring page (.pdf).
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