Friday, July 23, 2010

Book Review: The Story of the Tooth Fairy

The tooth fairy is a tradition that is passed through generations of people all over the world. The Story of the Tooth Fairy, by Tom Paxton explores the origins of where the tooth fairy came from and how this custom began.

It begins with a fairy named Glynnis who meets a seven year old girl named Emily. Emily is skeptical of Glynnis initially, however the two then become friends and agree to meet the following day. Glynnis then goes back to her queen to tell her about the mortal she just met, and finds out that fairies and mortals were friends long ago, however a rumor spread that fairies were mischief makers and soon their bond was broken.

After learning of Glynnis’ connection with Emily, the queen asks for her to bring a token of her friendship with her, but only one “a mortal could give.” Glynnis returned to Emily’s house and finds to her excitement that they are friends, and they devise a plan to bring mortals and fairies back together. They agree to give each other friendship gifts, and Glynnis promises to bring Emily a coin in exchange for one of Emily’s baby teeth that was about to fall out. To keep the tooth safe, Emily keeps it under her pillow, and Glynnis leaves a coin under her pillow while she’s asleep and takes the tooth.

When Glynnis returns with the tooth, the queen names her the Tooth Fairy and a friend to all children. They have a building in their village where coins are kept, and the queen says “when every coin is replaced with a tooth, our friendship with the mortals will be renewed, never to be broken again.” This is how the Tooth Fairy came to be.

Full of richly beautiful illustration by Robert Sauber, The Story of the Tooth Fairy is a charming and dreamy story for children of all ages. Instead of focusing on how much they receive under their pillow, the story evokes the anticipation of the Tooth Fairy’s visit instead. This treasured book is brought to life by our young ballerina’s.

All the best,
Sarah

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