Just So Stories

New South Books

Albatros Media

April 2025

9788000072470/ AUD$26.99, NZD$32.99

All of us who have taught Smalls know the whole gap-toothed, lisping stages very well indeed. I foresee this book is going to be a big hit in both classrooms and libraries for those Preps-3s especially. Certainly I’d be taking full advantage of it and still celebrating National Tooth Brushing Day or National Tooth Fairy Day [both American but handy to have in your calendar – and even better if you have some generous dentist parents as I’ve done in the past], and combining it with some of our favourite Tooth Fairy books.

These non-fiction books from Albatros are just sensational with their vibrant illustrations and the generous information, which is really thoughtfully formatted for best absorption by Smalls. And as this is another sturdy board book format, it will stand up to much avid handling as your kiddos explore all there is to know about their teeth.

The content has been dentist approved and covers pretty much everything: origin of teeth, dental care, best toothbrushes and their care, toothaches and how to prevent them, structure of teeth and our uniqueness in growing two sets of teeth.

The last spread with the ‘imagine if we had animal teeth’ will have kiddos giggling and could definitely inspire some fun art. This is a great adjunct to any health or human body unit but also, for many children, might be their only ‘instruction’ in dental care. Why not invite a local dentist (or, again, dentist parent) to come and do a session on dental care as well? There is also a wealth of information online, including the Happy Teeth Resource Kit from Queensland Health, which could be a great thing to share in your newsletter or on your social media, or some fun activities from Dental Health Services Victoria.

This is another terrific title sharing important information in an engaging and appealing way, and I’m giving it a big shiny 🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷 rating for your Smalls, whether school or home, from 4 upwards.

EDIT 31//03/2025: This only came to my attention today. I definitely think we need to have the same in Australia!! Claim for Missing Tooth.

Use this service to claim financial reimbursement for a tooth which has been lost and cannot be collected by the Tooth Fairy – for example, teeth which have been:

destroyed by an asteroid

accidentally swallowed

stolen by a ferret