Open Wide: Tooth School Inside [Paperback]

Laurie Keller (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

Dr. Flossman welcomes his 32 studentsAeight incisors, four canines, eight premolars and 12 molarsAto class at the start of Keller's (The Scrambled States of America) disappointingly flat lesson on tooth care and trivia. While, in her first book, the states themselves delivered the facts in fun-filled chatty exchanges, here the teacher drills into his anthropomorphic pupils a smattering of tooth truths, including the physical composition of teeth, the function of primary teeth, causes of tooth decay and the importance of dental hygiene. The bulk of the narrative is silly filler (for instance, a funky-looking tooth fairy pays a visit to the school and complains that she sometimes almost suffocates trying to retrieve teeth from under pillows). The book's abundant puns and asides, many delivered by the teeth themselves, may elicit as many groans as giggles from readers. One of the standout spreads, the penultimate, highlights facts about teeth during the times of the Ancient Egyptians through to George Washington. Though the book's cluttered, quirky art is at its best in comical scenarios of ambulatory teeth in the cafeteria and at recess, the visual humor, like that of the narrative, lacks the incisive bite of Keller's earlier book. Ages 5-10. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Owlet Paperbacks (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805072683
• ISBN-13: 978-0805072686
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 10 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #73,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #13 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Visit the Doctor
  #37 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Personal Hygiene
  #14 in	Books > Entertainment > Humor > Doctors & Medicine

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun for adults, also, April 27, 2000

By	Christopher (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Open Wide: Tooth School Inside (Hardcover)

I am an adult, but I'm a big fan of Laurie Keller's two books. "Open Wide" is an hilarious, creative book about teeth which I thoroughly enjoyed even though, the day before, I had myself been through a painful dentist appointment. I knwo a couple of young children who read and loved Laurie's first book, "The Scrambled States of America" and I would imagine children will get a huge kick out of this one also. Her depiction of an elementary school environment, even though it's one filled with students who are teeth, is very accurate and observant and her illustrations are wonderful.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you ever wanted to know about teeth, May 16, 2000

By	Roz Levine - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Open Wide: Tooth School Inside (Hardcover)

Open Wide Tooth School Inside is a silly, funny, fast paced book for the whole family. Smart, hip text with a disguised lesson about tooth care and the dentist. Terrific, colorful illustrations. And even a quiz to let kids show what they've learned. Just an all around great book.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keller scores again -- with "biting" humor!, May 23, 2000

By	"rrr338" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Open Wide: Tooth School Inside (Hardcover)

After "Scrambled States," what else can a children's book author come up with? Plenty, if you happen to be Laurie Keller, and envision the mouthful of human teeth as a "school."

Kids will recognize many elements of the classroom setting here, including familiar "types" of students -- both dilligent and smarmy. The teeth learn their oral hygiene lessons from Dr. Flossman, but not without many a well-aimed pun and off-the-cuff wisecrack. A good dose of factual material craftily sneaks its way into all the silly stuff. Keller has a sure sense of what holds the interest of kids. I met her at a book signing, and she said she was inspired by Dr. Suess, among others, as a child. With this, her second book, she is well on her way to establishing herself as a children's author in the excitingly fresh tradition of her childhood idol. But her style is all her own.

Kids will cherish this book... if you allow them to pry it from your own hands. (By the way, tell your dentist about this one!)