TOOTH TROUBLE

by Abby Klein ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Newcomer Klein brings her own experiences as a teacher to the page in the voice of Freddy Thresher, a nervous first-grader. Through his inconsistent and rather unbelievable voice, Freddy tries to tread the territory better-trod by Junie B. Jones, Russell and Elisa, and the young Amber Brown. When Freddy's best friend Robbie loses a tooth at school and gets to sign the Big Tooth, Freddy realizes he is the lone first-grader waiting to lose his first tooth. Mrs. Mushy, the teacher, is surprisingly insensitive to Freddy's emotions. His older sister is downright cruel, causing Freddy to scream, "LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU DING-DONG STINKY HEAD!" Though this overly dramatic story rings less than true, young readers will enjoy searching for the word "fin" hidden, Al Hirschfeld–fashion, in the delightful illustrations. "Fun pages" include how to make a tooth pillow, a MadLib-like story, and shark facts. Still, pedestrian fare for the ready-for-chapter-book set. (Fiction. 6-9)

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 0-439-55595-7

Page Count: 96

Publisher: Blue Sky/Scholastic

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2004

Categories: CHILDREN'S