Mrs. Watson Wants Your Teeth
Review by: Brian Beck
Author: Alison McGhee
Publisher: Harcourt
Year of Publication: 2004
Genre: Fiction - Humor
Summary: A second grader tells an upcoming first grader to beware of alien, baby tooth-snatching Mrs. Watson in this comical story. The girl in the book has no choice other than to keep her mouth closed. When she does open it, out pops the tooth and she finds out Mrs. Watson really wasn't after loose baby teeth.
This book was given a 3 rating by Horn Books; "Transitioning kindergartners will identify with the main character's fears, and audiences will enjoy finding the witty details in the cartoonlike illustrations, which convey both humor and comfort to the reader." This book is "perfect for a read aloud for kindergarteners" and "will be a popular choice."
My Review: I think the author's goal of creating this book was to advise readers to not always believe what you hear. The message is simple enough for young children to understand. The art in the book accompanies the text well. Also, the overall format of the book was thoughtful and allowed for a problem, ways to solve the problem, then an ultimate solution and happy ending. The book is enjoyable and has a good overall message.
How to use it in the Classroom:
I would read this book to children who are nervous or anxious for a new school year. Perhaps you could read this on the first day of school (or even the last day or school [for upcoming the new school year]) since some children will have anxiety about a new year. I agree, this would be perfect for a read aloud and a lesson on not always believing what you hear.
Author: Alison McGhee
Publisher: Harcourt
Year of Publication: 2004
Genre: Fiction - Humor
Summary: A second grader tells an upcoming first grader to beware of alien, baby tooth-snatching Mrs. Watson in this comical story. The girl in the book has no choice other than to keep her mouth closed. When she does open it, out pops the tooth and she finds out Mrs. Watson really wasn't after loose baby teeth.
This book was given a 3 rating by Horn Books; "Transitioning kindergartners will identify with the main character's fears, and audiences will enjoy finding the witty details in the cartoonlike illustrations, which convey both humor and comfort to the reader." This book is "perfect for a read aloud for kindergarteners" and "will be a popular choice."
My Review: I think the author's goal of creating this book was to advise readers to not always believe what you hear. The message is simple enough for young children to understand. The art in the book accompanies the text well. Also, the overall format of the book was thoughtful and allowed for a problem, ways to solve the problem, then an ultimate solution and happy ending. The book is enjoyable and has a good overall message.
How to use it in the Classroom:
I would read this book to children who are nervous or anxious for a new school year. Perhaps you could read this on the first day of school (or even the last day or school [for upcoming the new school year]) since some children will have anxiety about a new year. I agree, this would be perfect for a read aloud and a lesson on not always believing what you hear.