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Routine Dental Visits
Peter’s Trip to the Dentist follows a six-year-old boy who visits the dentist for the first time and learns all about dental hygiene in a fun and engaging environment. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Peter’s Trip to the Dentist was having had the opportunity to work in a pediatric dental setting, which provides a kid-friendly environment suited to meet the dental needs of children. The children were always so happy to come in for the routine check-up and cleaning with the two real-life dental characters featured in my book. The dentist and staff are trained to work with children, fostering a foundation for dental health with early detection, oral care lessons, and nutritional counseling. I wanted to share a positive experience with young readers, alleviate any anxiety, and help prepare children for their dental visits.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The important educational aspects of this book include a step-by-step guide dictating to children what they should expect for their routine dental visits. It was also important to encourage healthy eating and drinking habits, as well as caring for one’s teeth with brushing and flossing.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal was to make this children’s dental book a fun read and to reach many young readers in an exciting way by introducing the world of dentistry to them.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Readers can continue to read more fun books about pediatric dentistry, such as Charlotte Gets Braces, and Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling, both of which share a unique story and step-by-step guide for both procedures, with colorful illustrations and characters that bring the story to life through each of their journeys.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
An elaborate office, embellished in a Zoo-like theme, gives a warm, welcoming feeling to all of its pediatric patients. The office’s dental hygienist, Ms. Stacy, guides Peter step-by-step throughout the entire procedure of his dental cleaning as she introduces all the fancy tools and equipment that she uses during the treatment. Yummy flavors are always an incentive for getting your teeth polished, as the choices are endless. Removing sugar bugs off of the teeth produces a sparking smile, while radiographs help to ensure there is no tooth decay, which may be underlying. Peter learns about taking X-ray pictures and gets a lesson on home care instructions to maintain a healthy dentition. Goody bags and treasure prizes are such a treat, making Peter’s trip to the dentist complete.
A pleasant time with the hygienist and dentist makes Peter look forward to his next dental visit!
A Positive Experience
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling follows a little girl who, after biting into a candy apple, feels a sharp pain in her tooth and has to visit the dentist for the first time. The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Sameer Kassar?
Working with my illustrator was amazing. He was able to envision the exact details of the images I had in mind. He made corrections when needed, was an excellent communicator throughout the process, and exceeded my expectations.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In terms of the educational aspect of the book, I wanted to reduce any anxiety for a child who would be getting their first dental filling, by providing a step-by-step guide on what to expect during the procedure. I also wanted young readers to see how Mimi responded to the treatment in a positive way and had a positive experience.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling, is my third children’s dental book. I have three books written in total and I’m currently working on a fourth. They are all the same genre; children’s picture dental books.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Mama takes Mimi on a trip to see Dr. Jason, the town’s pediatric dentist. What will Dr. Jason find when he checks Mimi’s teeth? Will he find the cause of her pain and help her find relief?
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling
In her latest book, Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling, Ms. Smith delves into a day at the annual county fair with Mama, Mimi, and Baby-Sis, where young Mimi’s excitement about fair treats and fun rides takes an unexpected turn due to a toothache. This leads to an impromptu visit to Dr. Jason, the local pediatric dentist, setting the stage for a gentle exploration of a child’s first experience with dental care.
Ms. Smith, a dental hygienist with considerable experience working with children, brings authenticity and a palpable affection for her field to her narrative. She narrates Mimi’s story in a melodic tone that not only captures the attention of young readers but also eases their potential anxieties about dental visits. The narrative is crafted to show, through Mimi’s bravery, how a visit to the dentist can be a far less daunting experience than often perceived. The illustrations by Sameer Kassar complement the story beautifully with their vibrant and engaging visuals. They play a significant role in making the dental visit come alive, helping young readers visualize themselves in Mimi’s shoes—comfortably seated in the dentist’s chair, undergoing a routine checkup. What truly sets this book apart is its ability to transform what could be a scary experience into a reassuring adventure. It’s a narrative that not only entertains but also informs, ideal for children aged 4 to 7 years. This being Ms. Smith’s third children’s book with a focus on dentistry, it confirms her commitment to educating young minds about dental health in a fun and engaging way.
Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling is a delightful read and a valuable addition to any young reader’s collection. It promises not just a fun story but also a lesson in bravery and oral care. Kudos to Ms. Smith for another successful foray into children’s literature about dentistry.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0CJHCX7Z4
The Gratitude Goggles
The Gratitude Goggles, by Andrea Mendoza and visually brought to life by Rita Nilson, is a children’s book that skillfully employs the concept of ‘gratitude goggles’ as a metaphorical tool to inspire positivity in young readers. Mendoza’s narrative cleverly introduces these goggles as a transformative element; when worn by the characters, they shift their view of the world to a more positive and appreciative perspective. This central metaphor is further enriched through an analogy that contrasts the ‘shiny gratitude goggles’ with ‘dull grey goggles,’ effectively illustrating the impact of negative emotions like envy and comparison.
Mendoza’s storytelling prowess is evident as she weaves this meaningful moral into an engaging narrative, making it accessible and relatable for a young audience. Her writing is characterized by simplicity and clarity, ensuring that even early readers can grasp the concepts presented. This approachable language, combined with the book’s brisk pace, renders it an ideal choice for a short bedtime story. Complementing Mendoza’s narrative are Rita Nilson’s captivating illustrations. Nilson’s artwork enriches the text and plays a crucial role in capturing the children’s attention. The vibrant and engaging illustrations serve as a visual anchor, enticing young readers to delve deeper into the story. While the book targets a younger audience, particularly those in the early stages of development, its universal message of positivity and gratitude is subtly imparted, making it a meaningful read. The inclusion of a thoughtful ‘note to parents’ at the end of the book adds an extra layer of engagement, offering guidance on how to extend the book’s themes into real-world conversations with children.
Overall, The Gratitude Goggles is an excellent book that parents and teachers should consider adding to their collection. It is a well-written, engaging, and educational book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on young readers.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CNS52HQ8
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