The last loose tooth

Gr 2--4--Lou and his 19 brothers and sisters are baby teeth, which means they all eventually have to leave home to make room for the adult teeth. Each of Lou's siblings begin leaving the mouth in ways befitting their personalities. A loudmouth named Cary, for example, who was rotten to the core, was yanked from the mouth three days after Halloween. Eventually, Lou, who is too scared to leave, is the only baby tooth left. Growing tired of hanging out with the boring adult teeth, he works up the courage to fall out. A little girl (the owner of the mouth in question) then places him in a special box to await the tooth fairy who comes to take him to the "Great Land of Teeth" where he excitedly reunites with all his siblings. This humorous comic book/picture book hybrid is told from Lou's point of view, with character dialogue appearing in word bubbles. Illustrations rendered in pen, ink, and watercolors comically depict the unique personalities of each of the 20 baby teeth. VERDICT This is a fun and humorous take on tooth loss that is sure to be a relatable hit with those facing their own inevitable dental coming of age.--Jessica Marie, Salem P.L., OR

Talk about being down in the mouth. One of 20 and ensconced in the Upper Mouth, Lou will soon be the last remaining loose baby tooth. Much to Lou's consternation, all 19 companion teeth are departing, making way for the permanent teeth. However, Lou just can't seem to let go and fall out. Eventually, Lou's surrounded only by "BORING adults." Then, in a rushed, unconvincing development, Lou is finally free. The Tooth Fairy takes Lou to the Great Land of Teeth, an amusement park for dentition where Lou's heartily welcomed by those former comrades in enamel. All baby teeth apparently end up there when their deciduous days are over. Readers who've chewed over the fate of baby teeth may find this conclusion satisfying. This amusing, albeit thin, story, narrated by Lou in first, er, person, is akin to positive tales about apprehensive kids discovering they can handle scary situations. Humorous, cheery, imaginative illustrations present, both in interior art and on endpapers, the denizens of upper and lower gums as close-knit, supportive companions. Ever smiling, dapper Lou sports a golden crown, blue bowtie, red boots, and green kneepads. Teeth are sparkly white and dressed in various costumes; canines are aptly depicted as dogs. Humans present white. Dialogue appears in balloons; some speech and onomatopoeic sounds are set in large capitals for dramatic effect. An unusual take on managing change and new experiences. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.