The Very Beary Tooth Fairy

      Losing a first tooth is a normal rite of passage during our childhood, and it can be a time filled with excitement and yes, apprehension. Once that wobbly tooth falls out, little ones anticipate their first visit from the “tooth fairy.” But, for one little bear in Arthur A. Levine’s latest storybook, The Very Beary Tooth Fairy, who has always been told to beware of human’s, as they, according to his momma bear, “are dangerous and unpredictable”, this upcoming visit is filled with anxiety and trepidation.

        Little Zach the bear, overhears a discussion between a group of children playing in a campsite, about the tooth fairy, who visits children in a human form once they have lost their teeth.  Being able to wiggle his tooth just like the human boy did at the campsite, starts to make Zach wonder.  Filled with lots of questions, Zach turns to his sister, Leah for answers. “Is the tooth fairy a bear or a person?”  Zach asks.  Leah, too preoccupied with her friends, gives him a quick, questionable answer, “depends”, as she runs off to play.   One night, Zach asks his mother what a bear could be (thinking and wishing, that, perhaps, the tooth fairy is actually a bear), she calmly and assuredly tells her little boy that a bear can be; “anyone, and anyone can be a bear.” Soon afterwards, while treating himself to some of his sister’s sweets, sure enough, Zach the bear loses his tooth.  Later that night, Zach becomes very worried and just won’t fall asleep.  With one eye open, and one eye closed, Zach keeps a watchful eye out for the fairy, wondering if she too, may be dangerous and unpredictable.

     If you’re looking for an age appropriate book that will help remove the fear out of your little one losing their teeth, this delightful story featuring this sweet little bear may be just the right fit. The Very Beary Tooth Fairy adeptly puts a spotlight on kindness and understanding, with a wonderfully valuable message of the power of bravery and the love of a family.

The Very Beary Tooth Fairy

Written by Arthur A. Levine
Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen
Published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc.
Website:  www.scholastic.com
ISBN: 978-0-439-43966-4
Retails: $16.99
For ages 3 and up