Children’s chapter book by David Walliams with illustrations by Tony Ross. Harper: New York, 2016.
Strange things have been happening in twelve-year-old Alfie’s town. When children put their lost teeth under their pillows for the Tooth Fairy, instead of money they find gruesome items like a dead snake, spiders, or an oozing scab. Alfie and his new friend Gabz think Miss Root, the new dentist in town, might have something to do with these unusual occurrences. They devise a plan to find out. Alfie himself, however, hates going to the dentist, and hasn’t been for many years after an unfortunate mishap where the dentist pulled out the wrong tooth. His father remains unaware that Alfie has been missing many regular appointments to the dentist since Alfie hides the reminders that come in the mail. Alfie’s mom passed away giving birth to him so Alfie and his disabled father who can no longer work live on their own, scraping by to make ends meet. When a social worker visits Alfie and his dad, she sees the awful state of Alfie’s teeth and insists he visit Miss Root. Things do not go well before, during, and after Alfie’s dental appointment. In the end, Alfie, Gabz, and several adults in their lives heroically solve the mystery of the unusual events in town, and things end happily.
Although the book plays heavily on stereotypes of evil dentists causing unnecessary pain, it can be a starting point for talking about the importance of regular oral health care, and the links between poverty, nutrition, and oral health. Some children might find the book too scary and graphic, particularly when Miss Root takes out all of Alfie’s teeth. For others, though, the fast pace, made-up words, and gross/juvenile humor will delight them.
Find it at your local library.