Tabitha's Terrifically Tough Tooth (Phyllis Fogelman Books)
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
Tabitha's tooth is loose, and when her dad tells her the tooth fairy will leave her some money, she wants it out immediately. She tries everything, but getting her tooth out is more tricky than she expects. Eventually a big sneeze solves the problem.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Tabitha felt when her tooth was tough to pull out? Can you relate to that feeling?
What are some ways Tabitha tried to make her tooth come out? Which way do you think was the most creative?
Why do you think Tabitha wanted her tooth to come out so badly? What would you do in her situation?
How did Tabitha's family and friends help her with her tough tooth? Why is it important to have support from others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read the book together, pausing after each attempt Tabitha makes to pull out her tooth, and ask your child what they would have done differently.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about any similar experiences they've had with losing teeth, fostering a deeper personal connection to Tabitha's story.
Discuss the importance of patience and perseverance as seen in Tabitha’s efforts, drawing parallels to challenges your child might be facing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story follows Tabitha as she struggles with a loose tooth that won't come out despite her best efforts. Her determination to deal with the tooth herself demonstrates perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to persist through their personal challenges, whether it be attempting to tie their shoes, completing a puzzle, or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem Solving
Explanation: Tabitha employs various creative methods to try to remove her stubborn tooth, showcasing her problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their creativity to solve everyday problems, from figuring out how to deal with a stuck zipper to finding ways to share toys with friends.
Example Lesson: Seeking Help When Needed
Explanation: When Tabitha’s efforts fail, she realizes it is okay to ask for help and turns to her parents, who provide the assistance she needs.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of recognizing when they need help and how to ask for it effectively, promoting cooperative behavior and emotional intelligence in social and academic settings.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: Throughout the story, Tabitha faces setbacks and disappointments, yet she learns to cope and not let frustration overwhelm her.
Real-World Application: Children learn to manage their emotions and reactions when things don't go as planned, helping them handle disappointments in their own lives gracefully.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Tabitha learns that some things, like her loose tooth, cannot be rushed and require patience.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of patience in everyday activities, such as waiting their turn, practicing new skills, or even waiting for special occasions.