Going to the Dentist

Children's Literature

New experiences, such as going to the dentist for the first time, can be scary, but if you have an idea of what to expect, it's not so bad! In this book, the reader gets to see what goes on inside a dentist's office, from the receptionist's desk to the waiting room, as well as the cleaning, x-rays and examination of teeth. A question starts out each chapter, and answers it in simple yet thorough terms. Unfamiliar terms are printed in bold type and there is a picture glossary at the end. Unthreatening, straightforward pictures are on each page. Questions at the conclusion of the book reiterate what was learned. Similarly, a short pictorial quiz reinforces the identification of dentist related items discussed earlier in the book in a humorous manner (showing a toothbrush, a shopping cart, a special mouth mirror, dental floss and an elephant). A helpful note to parents gives suggestions about reading the book with a child and discussing specific parts of the book together. . Part of the "First Time" series that also includes the titles Going to the Doctor, Going to the Library, and Going to a Restaurant. Recommended, not only for classroom or library settings but for home libraries as well. 2004, Heinemann Library/Reed Elsevier Inc., Ages 3 to 7.
—Cindy L. Carolan