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Unconditional Love
Madison’s First Tooth follows a girl through her childhood, spotlighting big moments like the first day of school, new friendships, and every tooth-related milestone you can think of. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for this story was Madison and her mother’s unconditional love. Her mother truly has a nurturing touch, and provides adequate care in every aspect of Madison’s life. I wanted to highlight the importance of “dental care,” whereas her mother is a dentist. I created a story that most mom’s can relate to while caring for their young child to show how important the foundation of their teaching is.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Children will be able to enforce fundamental skills they have learned throughout the course of a lifetime from their parents teachings, and someday pass on these important teachings to their children and loved ones when needed.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I enjoyed capturing different milestones throughout the course of Madison’s life
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As Madison grows, her mama teaches her how important it is to take care of her teeth. From getting her first toothbrush to having a mouth full of teeth, Mama is there every step of the way.
Through the years, Madison tackles new adventures like school, making friends, and graduating college. Eventually, when Mama grows old and needs help, Madison lovingly takes on the role of caregiver to ensure that Mama’s teeth stay healthy, just like Mama did for her.
This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between mother and daughter and the importance of dental care.
Madison has just began to crawl and Mama couldn’t be more excited about her baby’s first milestone. To Mama’s surprise, this was the first of many, as she would so learn that Madison got her first tooth. Excited by the development, Mama announced the news to everyone and prepared an oral care routine to keep Maddy’s tooth healthy and clean. Days turned into months, which turned into years with so many changes as Madison was growing up so fast.
Mama stowed away highlights of all of Madison’s memorabilia in a special box to keep and cherish. As time went on and Madison got older, she was eventually able to keep her own teeth and gums healthy because Mama was a great teacher and guided her for many years. The day would come when Mama grew old and needed help with her oral hygiene routine care. Madison returned that which was bestowed upon her.
Madison’s First Tooth: A Mother’s Nurturing Touch
Madison’s First Tooth is a sweet and colorful journey through the life of Madison, a little girl whose earliest milestone, getting her first tooth, marks the beginning of many more to come. Written by Latia Smith and illustrated by Anastasia Dragunova, the book walks us through Madison’s childhood, spotlighting big moments like the first day of school, new friendships, and yes, every tooth-related milestone you can think of. From baby teeth and beyond, the story gently nudges young readers (and their parents) to understand the importance of oral health while also celebrating everyday growing-up moments.
I loved the warm, gentle tone of the book. There’s something comforting about the way Mama is always there, guiding Madison with care and patience. The rhyming verses gave the story a sing-song rhythm that made it feel fun and easy to read aloud, very Dr. Seuss-like, but with a more down-to-earth, real-life focus. One of my favorite parts was when Madison gets her first toothbrush, such a tiny moment, but it’s presented with joy and excitement that feels so relatable to any parent who’s cheered on that first tiny step of independence.
The illustrations are another strong point. Bright, vivid colors leap off the page and keep the energy of the book high. Kids will love pointing out all the details. The visuals really add charm and help tell the story just as much as the words do.
The rhyming throughout the story is charming and playful, giving it a fun, sing-song quality that makes it a joy to read aloud. Most pages follow a lovely rhythm that feels natural and engaging. There’s even a little variety in the rhyming patterns, which adds a creative twist and keeps things interesting. I can imagine little ones enjoying the surprise of different rhymes, and it gives the book a unique, lively feel from start to finish.
Madison’s First Tooth is a heartwarming, educational story that parents will feel good about reading with their little ones. It’s perfect for families with babies and toddlers, especially those just starting to teach good brushing habits. I’d recommend it to any parent who wants to mix fun and learning in storytime or to anyone who loves a feel-good tale about growing up and the little milestones that matter most.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0F35VTJWB
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.
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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.
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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
LITERARY TITAN 