[.ca] Open Wide: Tooth School Inside (ISBN 0805061924)

From Amazon.com:
Lauri Keller, the much-applauded creator of the wacky, wonderful The Scrambled States of America, traces one school day in a classroom of teeth in Open Wide: Tooth School Inside. Fortunately, when Dr. Flossman takes attendance, all 32 teeth are present to take the pledge: "And to the gums on which we stand, strong and healthy, with toothbrushes and toothpaste for all." The day proceeds with an anatomy lesson (illustrating dentin, enamel, pulp, etc.), which is interrupted only momentarily when Carl Canine badmouths a little molar (hurting his feelings even though he has a hard enamel shell on the outside). Sally Incisor then shares her report on primary teeth ("Babies don't even need teeth. You never see them eating corn on the cob or anything"), and the Tooth Fairy makes a guest appearance, offering molar-coaster rides and bemoaning the whole "under-the-pillow" idea, which causes her to fear suffocation. Lunch is a messy affair--complete with food fights--and when it is over, none of the teeth feel like brushing. Of course, an in-depth lesson on tooth decay and cavities ignites a flurry of flossing, gargling, and brushing. As in Scrambled States (which is a must-see if you haven't yet read it), every clever, colorful collage bubbles with activity, hilarious asides between the teeth, and tiny details that you may miss the first time through. Two quizzes conclude the book, posing questions such as "George Washington had teeth made out of rocks and twigs. T or F" and "Tooth decay is caused by a) bacteria and germs, b) slugs and worms, c) bad perms." Kids will never ignore their teeth again--and when they do take a look in the mirror they may see a smiling tooth face peering back, begging for a good brush. (Ages 5 to 9) -- Karin Snelson

hilarious look at teeth:
This book has it all-- hilarious puns, wisecracks, and every tooth joke you can imagine! The author has taken a boring, overvisited subject, that of oral hygiene, and dressed it up humourously, with a book that will have you laughing until you cry. the illustrations are crude but hilarious. The "characters" in the book are wacky. This gets across the hygiene message very well, if the student can get past the humour to see the message, and get past the book's funky layout to absorb any information. Older picture book fans, perhaps age 5 and 6, and young readers will love this book. SOME younger children will enjoy it also, but the layout and style will be a tad overwhelming and confusing for the very young. If you like _Dr. Dog_, by Babette Cole, you'll love _Open Wide, Tooth School Inside_. If the hilarious, chaotic, don't-mind-if-we-gross-you-out style appeals to you, I bet you'll like both _Dr. Dog_ and _Open Wide, Tooth School Inside_. Incidentally, adult fans of this style of humor will love it too. ken32

It's our Bedtime Story Book:
I am a school nurse that teaches oral hygiene. I use this book constantly for every grade level, even in my pregnant minor program. My 5 year old daughter loves this book as her bedtime story book, and has learned more about teeth then most adults. She loves the little side-talk of the different teeth. A fun and entertaining way to introduce oral hygiene and the ramifications of not brushing. I even gave a copy to my dentist! Julie Hart-Lawson RN/ San Diego City Schools

Good Book, But It's No "Scrambled States":
My 4-year-old and I have really enjoyed Keller's book, "The Scrambled States of America". I ordered this title in hopes of getting a similar home run. The artwork is great, and Keller's highly non-linear style is still a big hit with my son. For me, though, the storyline doesn't quite gel. Very little is happening in "Open Wide: Tooth School Inside". Instead, we get a recitation of facts about teeth, with large doses of humor thrown in. Don't get me wrong, Nebraska. It's still a good book, just not up to the greatness that was "The Scrambled States of America".

BUY this Bitingly FUNNY book!:
* I LAUGHED SO HARD MY TEETH HURT! * An inspiration to anyone, old or young, who hates to floss! * Laurie Keller is unlike any other, a brilliant and inspired thinker who shares with us through her bizarre writing and drawing * a true artist of our time * This book will be a classic * Bring a copy of this book to your dentist (they don't get out much! )

A Great Book!:
My Kids and I all enjoy this book many times! My son was the first one I read it to (5yrs old) and after that first reading, he could correctly answer all the questions at the end. I'm bringing it to show our dentist. The best kids book (I learned some things, too) about teeth that we've read!