The Tooth Tree - Hardcover

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.

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.