The Tooth Tree - Hardcover

Heller, Nicholas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688093922 ISBN 13: 9780688093921

Publisher: Greenwillow, 1991

Synopsis

In the backyard where Charlie has buried his tooth because he no longer believes in the Tooth Fairy, a voracious tree with teeth on its branches appears and begins to devour everything in sight; but all is saved by the bedside appearance of the Tooth Fairy.Skeptical of the Tooth Fairy, Charlie puts his tooth in a treasure chest and buries it in the garden, where it grows into a tree that has teeth and eats everything in sight

About this title

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- Charlie no longer believes in the tooth fairy, so instead of leaving his tooth under his pillow, he puts it in the treasure chest he keeps buried in the backyard. Like Jack with his magic bean, Charlie has a surprise in store. An odd tree with Medusa-like branches begins to eat its way through the backyard and the toothy limbs begin to forage around in the boy's room. Luckily the Tooth Fairy arrives to chastise Charlie's lack of faith and banish the tree. The next morning, he finds that damaged items are as good as new and a shiny quarter has been placed in the chest. This mild fantasy seems forced, and the plot is predictable. Using fear to induce belief in the tooth fairy is like telling children they should believe in Santa Claus or their Christmas tree may get them. The simple black-line drawings are enhanced with bold watercolor accents and appealing patterns. The weak tale, however, has the potential to produce more nightmares than enjoyment. --Lori A. Janick, Parkwood Elementary School, Pasadena, TX
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Claiming that there's no tooth fairy, Charlie buries a tooth out in the yard, where it grows into a tree whose ferocious branches invade his room to munch on his belongings. Just in time, the tooth fairy arrives--a sensible sprite in a checked shirt who vanquishes the monster and (he discovers next morning) leaves a quarter in place of the tooth. Astute readers may conclude from clues in Heller's expressive, sophisticated illustrations that the adventure was a dream; either way, an entertaining story reflecting a genuinely childlike imagination. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Greenwillow
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0688093922
• ISBN 13: 9780688093921
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 1