ABC Dentist

by Harriet Ziefert, Liz Murphy (Illustrator)

From Appointments, Bibs, and Cavities through X-rays and how to combat icky Yellow film on teeth, this book takes kids on a reassuring tour of a trip to the dentist's office. Bright, friendly collage artwork pairs with informative facts on equipment and procedures. This new edition includes an addendum with activities, frequently asked questions, and suggestions for parents and teachers on how to maximize the book's usefulness.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Health, Medical, Family

36 pages, Hardcover

First published August 20, 2008

About the author

Harriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.

For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.

"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.

Reviews

[Snova Pennerman]

This book is very interesting. I was so amazed how they came up with something for every letter of the alphabet that relates to "Dentistry."

[Jennifer Santangelo]

Excellent read for your child prior visit to Dentist to ease any fears. Reviewing A, B, C’s, learning about flossing, cavities (we call sugar bugs), how many teeth we have and how our teeth have different shapes and roots. A lot of learning in this book. More than just a one time read for sure.

[Anthony]

An A to Z book on healthy teeth starting with an appointment with the dentist, and everything in between. Very precise and, educational to teach not only the Alphabet, but also ease the anxiety about a visit to the dentist for younger patients.

[Ruth Ann]

Smiling faces and explanations of dental vocabulary accompany collage art illustrations in this ABC book designed for the older child's visit to the dentist.
Ages 5-8

[Karla]

I need this book in my classroom- rich vocabulary well explained
illustrations were different.. a zillion times better than other dental books- A+

[Mark Burnett]

Title: ABC Dentist
Author: Harriet Ziefert
Illustrator: Liz Murphy
Genre: Alphabet Book
Themes: Alphabet, hygiene,
Opening line/ Sentence: Appointment It's important to have an appointment with the dentist at least once every year, and sometimes twice, if your dentist recommends it.
Brief book summary:
The book goes through each letter of the alphabet naming different vocabulary terms that one would find at the dentist. The book also defines these vocabulary terms so that children can be more familiar when they encounter them at the dentist.
Professional review #1:
40 pp. Blue Apple 2008. ISBN 978-1-934706-31-2
(4) K-3 Illustrated by Liz Murphy. In this alphabet book, each word or phrase provides dental facts in order to promote healthy oral hygiene. The variety of topics (from hygienist's job to yellow teeth) makes for an unfocused approach, and some terms aren't adequately explained. Regardless, apprehensive patients will appreciate the matter-of-fact tone and cheerful collage and oil illustrations.
Professional review #2
Kirkus Reviews 15
In alphabetical order, this cheery offering provides a succinct overview of a visit to the dentist. Though the details occasionally read like a dictionary, Ziefert should be praised for her ability to match every letter of the alphabet with parts of the mouth or the elements of a dental examination and cleaning. Beginning with A for Appointment, the picture book moves through the dental experience from B (Bib) and C (Cavity) to Z (a slightly cheating Zillion Times Cleaner). In between, pages reveal that Saliva is watery and tasteless, but helps begin digestion, that Teeth are the hardest part of the body and that a Wad of cotton is what the dentist stuffs in the patient's mouth when working on it. Readers also learn the names of the teeth and their components. Murphy's mixed-media collages add dimension and humor to what may become a classic prep for a visit to the dentist's office and is a neat companion to its predecessor, 2007's ABC Doctor. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
Response to two professional reviews:
I agree with both of these reviews, the first review praised the illustrations which I also found appealing. The review also mentioned that the terms aren't always adequately explained which is true. The second review said that it was an impressive feat how the author managed to match a dentistry term to each letter of the alphabet.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
This book was written to give children practice with the alphabet while also teaching them about proper dental care. The book will also help children become more comfortable while at the dentist office. I think this is a very appropriate book for children and would definitely recommend it as a tool to learn about proper hygiene.

[April Dawn]

Book Title: ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth from A to Z

Short Description of the Book: This is an informational text that uses the alphabet to explain what happens on a trip to the dentist office.

FOCUS: Features I would Use in a Mini-Lesson:
1-Structure: Description- I would use this book to look at how to write an ABC book on a specific topic. We would discuss the main idea and details of each page.
2- Informational Text Features- Diagrams with labels, Captions, Technical Language, Main Ideas, Supporting Details.

TEACH: CCSS Connection:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
• **CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2a Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2b Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2c Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because).
• **CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2d Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2e Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented.

Mini Lesson- 1- Ask students to share any alphabet format books that they have read before. What did they notice about the books? What did they have in common? 2-Read aloud ABC Dentist and show the pages to the class. 3-Have students turn and talk with their writing partner to discuss what they noticed about the text. Discuss findings. 4-Chart with students the features of the ABC format book, which should be familiar to them since most students are introduced to these at an early age. *Be sure the chart includes the diagrams, labels, captions, technical language, main idea and supporting details that were found in the book. 5-Have students begin drafting and collecting ideas for their North Carolina ABC book project. This book will serve as a mentor text for students that may need to review the structure of an ABC book as they are working on their research and writing their own ABC book.

EXPECTED OUTCOME: Students will be able to write about a topic in detail, grouping related information. Students will include Information Text Features in their NC ABC book. Students will be able to explain the format of an ABC book and why it is a good way to share information on a topic.

[Beth]

The title ABC Dentist pretty well tells the reader what to expect from this book. Each letter of the alphabet names one word related to the dentist, teeth, or mouth, followed by a short explanation of the word in relation to healthy teeth. Some of the words included are gums, orthodontist, and plaque. While many children will first visit the dentist around age 3 or 4 this book is geared toward a slightly older audience. It could be simplified for the toddler crowd, but preschool children and young grade schoolers will glean more of the detailed information provided, such as number and types of teeth.
This book would be beneficial for a public library collection, to go along with other contemporary realistic fiction books related to visiting the dentist. It provides much more in-depth information than a fiction book would be able to. The text and illustrations correspond nicely with each other.

[Rachel]

ABC Dentist by Harriet Ziefert was a great way to explain what a trip to the dentist entails. Each letter of the alphabet is linked to a word that is related to a trip to the dentist or the mouth. This is great because it makes it a fun way to learn about going to the dentist before the child actually goes. This will make them more prepared for what is in store for them and they will be way more well informed.

This story is geared towards slightly older kids. I say this because words like "orthodontist" and "plaque" are used and an extremely young child will not understand what those words mean. I liked that each word has a description to go along with it. I think this is great because it only furthers the child's understanding of the words that are being used. The drawings in this book were great too! Very fun and colorful. I thoroughly enjoyed this informational children's book. I think it was a new, unique way to explain something to young readers.

[Jennifer Johnson]

ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth from A to Z is an informational children’s book about going to the dentist. It tells the reader what to expect at the dentist by using the alphabet to explain different aspects of it with an explanation of it and how to have healthy teeth.

This book is child friendly and can make going to the dentist less intimidating. Also, using the alphabet to explain the different parts is a fun and engaging way to learn. The illustrations are colorful and accompany the text very well.

[Andrea Cain]

A bit lengthy for a young child. I do think this is a good alphabet book. I think children are typically afraid of the dentists office and this is a good book to read to help children associate feeling safe at the dentists. I think it can help children associate this fun book with being at the dentists.

[Heather Johnston]

This was a cute book that highlighted different elements of the dentist. I could use this book to teach content as well as model the structure of an alphabet book.


CO: 2008


Genre: Information and Concept

[Chris]

This book outlines many of the things that kids would encounter at the dentist in an easy to access format. From describing parts of the teeth to discussions of instruments and machines used at the dentist, kids will get an idea of what awaits them so that they are more prepared for their visit.

[Literacy Group]

This book explains what a dentist appointment entails so you will know exactly what to expect. It teaches the importance of flossing and brushing your teeth to prevent cavities. Additionally, it describes how a dentist can get your teeth extremely clean.

[Jennifer]

We found this book at the dentist's office while we were waiting for my child's first appointment. It was a fun way to introduce him to some of the things he might encounter. I also learned some things from reading this book.

[Tara]

It's a nice introduction to the dentist but the print is so tiny! In ABC style - A is for appointment, B is for Bib and C is for Cavity - you are ready for your first visit!

[Jackie]

A fun ABC book where the X entry actually makes sense! Colorful, animated illustrations accompany the informational text.

Used for "Let's Go to the Dentist" storytime-January, 2010.

[Carren]

Kenwood library

[Sarah Goodwin]

This book would be a great read aloud and bring in a dentist to talk about teeth!

[Heather]

Pretty & unique illustrations with some ABC facts about the dentist that even I wasn't aware of. Great for kids :)

[Steph]

Very wordy, but the idea of an ABC book about dentists is awesome.

[Salsabrarian]

An accessible, informative introduction to dental care and visiting the dentist, written in a supportive tone. There is also "ABC Doctor."

[Service Room 12]

I like the book because I like x-Ray and a special picture of our teeth and jaw.x-Ray pictures are fun for me.i like the book.By Taylor

[Megan]

This book gave me bad flashbacks of being tortured at the dentist's.

[Gianna Campana]

This is a good beginners book. It is informational about vocabulary related to teeth and things in a dentist's office. It helps a child learn the alphabet also.

[Cassie]

In the ABC Dentist book, the letters of the alphabet are all of the things you would see in the dentist's office. First, you make an appointment and then you get a bib and get checked for cavities. This book goes through everything that happens at the dentist and what patients will expect. This is a good book for the teacher to use because it can help ease the fear of dentist for their students. Activity students can do is write down as many words they know that they see when they go to the dentist's office. This is also a great book for teaching students their ABC’s.