March 1, 2003
K-Gr 2-In this well-crafted beginning reader, Robby worries that he is the only child in his class who hasn't lost a tooth, and that he will stand out in the class picture. His mom tells him not to worry and suggests that he write to the tooth fairy: "After all, she's the expert." So Robby initiates an exchange of letters with a sympathetic tooth fairy and continues to fret until one of his front teeth begins to wiggle. While shopping with his mother and sister, he sneezes and the tooth is lost somewhere in the grocery store. After a great deal of searching, and with the offer of a reward, it is located near the toothpaste, and Robby happily flashes a gap-toothed smile for picture day. O'Connor sensitively conveys the child's concerns. Both the text and Allen's colorful drawings (in a mix of charcoal, watercolor, and ink) add interesting and humorous details. A pleasant if somewhat predictable easy-reader.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.