Nice Try, Tooth Fairy by Mary W. Olsen

Summary:

Emma loses a tooth and gives it to the Tooth Fairy, only to ask for it back the next day to show her grandpa.  The Tooth Fairy brings it back, only she doesn’t quite get it right.  Emma receives all sorts of teeth–from a huge elephant’s tusk to a hedgehog’s tiny nubbin, along with each of the animals as visitors!  Eventually the Tooth Fairy does succeed, only to have Emma lose another tooth.  But this time, she’s prepared!

This story is written through a series of letters, which can be fun to use to introduce letter writing.  This book also allows for lots of discussion and predicting about who the next visitor will be, if the Tooth Fairy will ever get it right, and where your child would place the tooth for safe-keeping.

Activity:

This is a great visual activity about the importance of brushing your teeth.  I have done this with children ages three to ten and had much success!

Hard-boil some eggs.  Then soak them in dark cola, such as root beer, overnight.  The next day, talk with your children about teeth, dental health, brushing, etc.  Show your children the eggs (I like to tell them they are dinosaur teeth!), and tell them these “teeth” have not been taken care of.  Have each child use a toothbrush and toothpaste and gently brush the eggs to see if they can get the “teeth” clean.  I like to have a bowl of fresh water and lots of paper towels on hand.  As they brush, the root beer will come off, and the eggs will be white again!

Angee enjoys trying out her ideas on her two fun and very active young children.  She taught preschool and elementary school for many years, but now enjoys teaching her own children at home.  You can check out more of her book recommendations and activities at Stories for Snuggling.