Ichord takes a breezy, topical approach to the history of dentistry, and achieves a remarkable collection of information in need of bridgework. The book begins with the ancients of the Western world and continues through a hasty summation of modern Western dentistry; although occasional facts point to a global dimension—e.g., seven lines crediting the Hindus of India with the first use of a toothbrush, followed by a description of an ancient Chinese toothbrush—most of the book faces staunchly West. Ichord’s reliance on lists results in invigorating snippets of vague information, in which, for example, interesting behaviors are attributed to “some cultures.” It’s an approach that will appeal to short attention spans but which fails to move the general discussion along in a meaningful manner. Among the illustrative and interesting material is the requisite discussion of George Washington’s dentures, appended to the conclusion of the chapter on tooth loss, while a history of the tooth fairy tradition’somewhat related to tooth loss—appears in a different chapter. Readers will arrive at solid historical facts in due time, such as Pierre Fauchard’s founding of modern scientific dentistry, but the book relies more on fabulous facts than comprehensive coverage of the rise of dentistry. More for tidbit-surfing than for report-writing, this volume may inspire research, through its inclusion of oddities and the exotic. (photos, notes, glossary, bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-14.)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-7613-1465-2
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1999
In his quest for easy moolah, Owen learns that the road to financial solvency can be rocky and fraught with work. Greene (Owen Foote, Soccer Star, 1998, etc.) touches upon the often-thorny issue of chores and allowances: Owen’s mom wants him to help out because he’s part of the family and not just for the money—while Owen wants the money without having to do tedious household chores. This universal dilemma leaves Owen without funds and eagerly searching for ways to make a quick buck. His madcap schemes range from original—a “free” toilet demonstration that costs 50 cents—to disastrous, as during the trial run of his children’s fishing video, Owen ends up hooking his ear instead of a trout. Enlisting the aid of his stalwart, if long-suffering, friend Joseph, the two form a dog-walking club that becomes vastly restricted in clientele after Owen has a close encounter with an incontinent, octogenarian canine. Ultimately, Owen learns a valuable lesson about work and money when an unselfish action is generously rewarded. These sudden riches motivate Owen to consider wiser investments for his money than plastic vomit. Greene’s crisp writing style and wry humor is on-target for young readers. Brief chapters revolving around a significant event or action and fast pacing are an effective draw for tentative readers. Weston’s (Space Guys!, p. 392, etc.) black-and-white illustrations, ranging in size from quarter- to full-page, deftly portray Owen’s humorous escapades. A wise, witty addition to Greene’s successful series. (Fiction. 8-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2000
ISBN: 0-618-02369-0
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2000
The way-off-road vehicle (The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field, 1997, etc.) tours the ears, eyes, nose, and skin when the assistant principal, Mr. Wilde, accidentally shrinks the school bus and the children on board, commandeering it to deliver a message to Ms. Frizzle. The vehicle plunges into the eye of a police officer, where the students explore the pupil, the cornea, the retina, and the optic nerve leading to the brain. Then it’s on to other senses, via the ear of a small child, the nose of a dog, and the tongue of the Friz herself. Sidebars and captions add to the blizzard of information here; with a combination of plot, details, and jokes, the trip is anything but dull. The facts will certainly entice readers to learn more about the ways living creatures perceive the world. (Picture book. 6-9)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-590-44697-5
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999
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