Showing Traditions Around the World
By Susan Hood & Janice Nadeau
Kids Can Press, $16.95, 32 pages
American children grow up eagerly placing lost baby teeth under their pillow in exchange for money from the tooth fairy. However, The Tooth Mouse by Susan Hood exposes customs from around the world. Not every country has a tooth fairy; some have a tooth mouse.
In this story, which takes place in France, the young mouse, Sophie, is in a competition to become the next tooth mouse. While others complain she is too old, the tooth mouse insists all are able to compete in the three-task challenge. Each contender must gather the whisker of a cat, a silver coin by honest means, and create a plan for all the teeth to be collected.
Sophie’s crafty, honest and simple plans impress the retiring tooth mouse and she is named the winner.
The Tooth Mouse is an excellent illustration for children about customs around the world, while it also addresses history, oral traditions and some French vocabulary. Sophie is a character who proves that hard work, honesty and careful planning can help you achieve your goals, no matter how young or small you are.
Illustrations by Janice Nadeau are beautiful and intricate to compliment the story.
Reviewed by Sophie Sestero
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