Throw Your Tooth on the Roof : Tooth Traditions from Around the World
by Selby B. Beeler, G. Brian Karas (Illustrator)
Price: $16.00
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover - 32 pages (September 28, 1998)
Houghton Mifflin Co (Pap); ISBN: 0395891086
MyPediatricDentist.com, July 2000
Widen your horizon! Informative and fun!
"Teeth fall out all over the world. What do you do with yours?" There
is so much more than just the tooth fairy! I have to admit I knew very
little about some things kids do with their lost teeth. It was enlightning
and entertaining reading. Some research seemed superficial: "Germany: I
don't do anything special with my tooth". Children get a geography and
cultural diversity lesson. The illustrations show children of different
race and attire. I am sure this book can be a great catalyst to investigate
about other societies, their habits, and heritage.After reading the book
I was surprised to find out how many of my little patients know about "el
raton". This is a book for kids and parents of all ages, and can even teach
pediatric dentists some new lessons.
Dietmar Kennel DDS
pediatricdentist@usa.net
Just Going to the Dentist : Golden Look-Look Book (Look-Look)
by Mercer Mayer (Illustrator)
List Price: $3.29
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback - 24 pages Reissue edition (February 1998)
Golden Books Pub Co Inc; ISBN: 0307125831
Book Description
Mercer Mayer's very popular Little Critter is on his way to the dentist.
It's a thorough check-up, complete with dental x-rays. When Dr. Ghum insists
on filling a cavity, Little Critter goes through it bravely. The visit
is painless to the reader because of Little Critter's funny, honest way
of look at things -- including the world of dentistry.
MyPediatricDentist.com, July 2000
I have not had a chance to review this book.
Dietmar Kennel DDS
pediatricdentist@usa.net
Barney Goes to the Dentist (Barney Goes To)
by Linda Cress Dowdy, Dennis Full (Photographer)
List Price: $3.25
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback - 22 pages (March 1997)
Barney Pub; ISBN: 1570641161 -
Synopsis
This full-color visit with Barney helps young children feel more comfortable
about going to the dentist. Full-color photos.
This is a great book for your child to get to see the inside of the
Dentist Office and not be afraid because Barney is there. Great tool for
the teachers or Dental Professional to use to talk with small children
for Childrens Dental Health Month. (Febuary)
MyPediatricDentist.com, July 2000
I have not had a chance to review this book, but I am also not a huge
Barney friend...(sorry)
Dietmar Kennel DDS
pediatricdentist@usa.net
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist (Berenstain, Stan, First
Time Books.)
by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain
Price: $3.25
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback - 32 pages (October 1981)
Random House (Merchandising); ISBN: 0394848365
Other Editions: Hardcover
Book Description
Sister Bear watches Dr. Bearson fill Brother Bear's small cavity. Then
it's her turn in the chair to have a dangling baby tooth removed. An entertaining
story for preschoolers of a cheerful and informative visit to a dentist.
MyPediatricDentist.com, July 2000
"Oldie, but....."
This book has been around for two decades. It shows it's age looking
at Dr. Bearson's vintage equipment and filling technique. I don't really
approve of Brother Bear's scare tactics and see limited benefit in this
story line. The book does not mention prevention and prophylaxis other
than "lollipops aren't good for your teeth". Too much emphasis is put on
"filling" and "yanking" teeth. Not every loose baby tooth needs to be "pulled"
by the dentist and certainly should not be something to be expected at
the first visit. I think this book may give little kids the wrong impression
about the things dentists do. One reason I included it is that complimentary
copies of this book were and still may be distributed by Crest, these
copies also ended up with many dentists.
Dietmar Kennel DDS
pediatricdentist@usa.net
Doctor De Soto
by William Steig
Price: $16.00
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover (November 1982)
Farrar Straus & Giroux (Juv); ISBN: 0374318034
Other Editions: Paperback
MyPediatricDentist.com, July 2000
"A smart dentist ..."
Dr. De Soto is a dentist. He is also the hero of this story. He risks
his and his wife's life to help a patient with a toothache. Wonderful illustrations
and a storyline full of suspense make this a great addition to any library.
It is not the typical this is what happens when you see the dentist-book,
but
that is exactly what I love about it.
Dietmar Kennel DDS
pediatricdentist@usa.net
Amazon.com
Doctor De Soto is a well-respected mouse-dentist who runs a successful
practice with his wife (and able assistant) Mrs. De Soto. The De Sotos
are friendly and professional toward all their patients, from chipmunks
to donkeys to cows, the exception being "cats and other dangerous animals,"
as stated clearly on the sign outside the office. But the De Sotos are
tender-hearted rodents, so when a miserable fox shows up begging for treatment,
they agree to have a look (perhaps against their better judgment). As it
turns out, this fox, with "a rotten bicuspid and unusually bad breath,"
manages to behave himself while tiny Doctor De Soto is standing mid-molar
inside his gaping jaws. When the wily fox returns the next day to get his
replacement gold tooth, however, he has mouse-flavored snacks on his mind.
Luckily, Doctor De Soto and his wife have anticipated such despicable canine
intentions, and find a way to outfox the ungrateful fox.
William Steig, award-winning creator of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, once again offers young readers a clever, amusing tale of interspecies mingling. As usual, Steig's tone is matter-of-fact, and his enchanting illustrations of the responsible mouse couple and their foxy adversary are alive with expression and emotion. Kids will appreciate the De Sotos' wit, and will be delighted to read more about this diminutive couple's adventures in Doctor De Soto Goes to Africa. (Ages 4 to 8)
Book Description
The delightful dentist Doctor de Soto is back at work handling all
his patiens with care until he meets a new client-the wily fox. A delightful
and engaging story that will charm all readers. Winner of the Newbery Honors
Book Award
Doctor
De Soto Goes to Africa
by William Steig
List Price: $5.95
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback - 32 pages Reprint edition (May 1994)
HarperTrophy; ISBN: 0062059017
Other Editions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews , June 15, 1992
Mudambo, an elephant, has a terrible toothache; all expenses will be
paid if the De Sotos will come. Despite their size difference, Mudambo
and his wife prove congenial hosts, and the De Sotos bed down for the night
on Mrs. Mudambo's pincushion, planning to continue work on the offending
tooth in the morning, except that, unfortunately, Honkitonk--a disgruntled
monkey- -kidnaps the good dentist at midnight. After a search through the
jungle, and the intrepid mouse's escape with minor injuries, the dental
work is completed--only this time Mrs. De Soto crafts the repairs, while
the doctor directs from his wheelchair. Steig's fresh, humorous turns of
phrase, his amiable characterizations, and his gentle colors are as beguiling
and ingenuous as ever. The last page hints that the mice will continue
to explore ``our beautiful planet.'' (Picture book. 3+) -- Copyright ©1992,
Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out
of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Open Wide : A Visit to the Dentist (Rugrats, No 14)
by Cecile Schoberle, Barry Goldberg (Illustrator)
Price: $3.50
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback - 24 pages (January 2000)
Simon Spotlight; ISBN: 0689825706
Book Description
According to Angelica and Susie, you're ready to go to the dentist
once you have all your teeth. Find out what happens when they visit Dr.
Pearlies together in this original story, which is sure to make Rugrats
fans want to brush, floss, and smile!
MyPediatricDentist.com, July 2000
"new book....outdated message"
We are battling for early visits to prevent and detect problems with
early
childhood caries. The rugrats have not yet received this message. The
book suggests that the time for the first visit is once all primary teeth
are erupted. That would mean ca. 3 years of age which seems to match with
Angelica and Susie's age. The "little kids" have erupted teeth (Chuckie
and the twins), but they are told that they are too young to see the dentist
- The chance to include anticipatory guidance is clearly missed. Why does
a dentist have to be bald and look this serious? At least x-rays are taken
and some prevention is discussed.
Dietmar Kennel DDS
pediatricdentist@usa.net
Open Wide : Tooth School Inside
by Laurie Keller
Price: $16.95
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover - 40 pages (May 2000)
Henry Holt & Company, Inc.; ISBN: 0805061924
MyPediatricDentist.com, July 2000
"You gotta have it!!!!!...."
I just love this book. It is really funny and entertaining. Laurie
Keller does not take the usual technical approach in this book, but still
children (and adult children) can find out a lot about teeth. I think you
either fall completely in love with this book or it is just not for you.
It certainly matches my weird sense of humor (reminds me a little of Monty
Python's dancing teeth).
Dietmar Kennel DDS
pediatricdentist@usa.net
Amazon.com
Lauri Keller, the much-applauded creator of the wacky, wonderful The
Scrambled States of America, traces one school day in a classroom of teeth
in Open Wide: Tooth School Inside. Fortunately, when Dr. Flossman takes
attendance, all 32 teeth are present to take the pledge: "And to the gums
on which we stand, strong and healthy, with toothbrushes and toothpaste
for all." The day proceeds with an anatomy lesson (illustrating dentin,
enamel, pulp, etc.), which is interrupted only momentarily when Carl Canine
badmouths a little molar (hurting his feelings even though he has a hard
enamel shell on the outside). Sally Incisor then shares her report on primary
teeth ("Babies don't even need teeth. You never see them eating corn on
the cob or anything"), and the Tooth Fairy makes a guest appearance, offering
molar-coaster rides and bemoaning the whole "under-the-pillow" idea, which
causes her to fear suffocation.
Lunch is a messy affair--complete with food fights--and when it is
over, none of the teeth feel like brushing. Of course, an in-depth lesson
on tooth decay and cavities ignites a flurry of flossing, gargling, and
brushing. As in Scrambled States (which is a must-see if you haven't yet
read it), every clever, colorful collage bubbles with activity, hilarious
asides between the teeth, and tiny details that you may miss the first
time through. Two quizzes conclude the book, posing questions such as "George
Washington had teeth made out of rocks and twigs. T or F" and "Tooth decay
is caused by a) bacteria and germs, b) slugs and worms, c) bad perms."
Kids will never ignore their teeth again--and when they do take a look
in the mirror they may see a smiling tooth face peering back, begging for
a good brush. (Ages 5 to 9) -- Karin Snelson
From Kirkus Reviews
Painless dentistry is lightened with a dose of laughing gas. Fans of
Keller's wacky The Scrambled States of America (1999) will find this a
fact-filled, sure-fire, kid-centric introduction to a familiar staple of
the elementary school curriculum: dental health. Here, Keller's inspired
conceit--a tooth school class presided over by the single-minded Dr. Flossman--offers
almost endless opportunities for kid-pleasing puns and clever classroom
asides. The book begins with roll call of the incoming... read more