Make Way for Tooth Decay

Meet your guests. / We're called bacteria. / Your mouth is our cafeteria.

In this witty, easy-to-read story, children learn what bacteria is, how it causes tooth decay, and how they can fight against it. Told from the point of view of the bacteria, the fact-filled, rhyming text shows dentists, in a non-threatening way, as they help youngsters guard against tooth decay. The bright, energetic illustrations are a perefct compliment to the humorous text.

In rhyming verse, bacteria describe how they live in the mouth and cause plaque, cavities, and other problems.

Bobbi studied art history at Goucher College, specializing in rare illustrated books. As a mom, she discovered picture books. When Head Start was launched, she worked with kids and their families as a social worker. She wrote her first manuscript, I'LL BUILD MY FRIEND A MOUNTAIN, especially for these children. She made many copies by hand, which she gave to children to illustrate. Scholastic's See Saw Book Club published it with professional illustrations in 1972. Bobbi's been writing for young people and educators ever since. She's written middle-age novels, a biography of Nelson Mandela and picture books, but she's best known for her poetry and rhyming books.

After working as an editor for many years, she now devotes her professional time to writing and giving poetry workshops. She's especially interested in helping educators find ways to use poetry across the curriculum. She divides her time between New York City and upstate New York, connecting with children and teachers in schools and libraries whenever possible. She usually sees the sunrise. Starting each day with yoga, she makes words, music and movement a part of every day.

Steve Bjorkman is the celebrated illustrator of numerous books for children, including Jeff Foxworthy's New York Times bestsellering picture books DIRT ON MY SHIRT and SILLY STREET, as well as EMIILY'S EVERYDAY MANNERS by Cindy Post Senning and Peggy Post, and Jay McGraw's LIFE STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH BULLIES. He lives with his wife in California. SPLIT! SPLAT! is his first book with Scholastic Press.