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La increíble historia de... La dentista diabólica
Alfie es un chico cuyo padre ha enfermado por trabajar tantos años en las minas. Por lo mismo, su situación económica no es buena. Alfie, sin embargo, lo mira por el lado bueno: como no puede pagarle sus honorarios, no tiene que ir al dentista. Sin embargo, en esta ocasión no le queda más remedio que asistir al consultorio de la nueva odontóloga de la ciudad. El asunto no puede ser tan malo, ¿cierto? A fin de cuentas, a esta dentista le encanta regalar dulces sin azúcar a sus pacientes. Pero… últimamente algo ha pasado con el hada de los dientes. Su trabajo se ha vuelto deficiente. Si bien pareciera que ahora los chicos pierden más dientes que antes, ya no aparecen monedas bajo la almohada a la mañana siguiente, sino regalos inquietantes, como pezuñas o alas de murciélago. ¿Será coincidencia que todo empezara desde que la nueva dentista llegó a la ciudad?
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2014
1443 people are currently reading
8318 people want to read
About the author
David Walliams
244 books3,457 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,165 reviews
April 29, 2023
This is the second time I’m reading ‘Demon Dentist’ by David Walliams & it was as mesmerizing & laugh out loud funny as it was in the past. One of my students chose this title for their book review test & so I had to go through the book again. I know for a fact that she enjoyed the book in spite of not having known Walliams & now is keen on reading all of his titles that are available in India.
This was my first Walliams book which I read back in 2014 or 2013 when I had just started my writing career & when I was beginning to start a children’s library & book club in my tuition rooms. Obviously, David Walliams books became a must read at the club & ‘Demon Dentist’ was always being chosen to read by one student or another. All of those kids are now teenagers or young adults or are fully grown up adults with jobs & they still remember ‘Demon Dentist’ as one of their best David Walliams books ever. I will have to agree with them as the book is truly unputdownable.
The story is fantastical, sentimental, hilarious & written with a keen eye for detail. Walliams has indeed proven himself to be the true offspring of Roald Dahl’s style as is shown in his witty & humorous books for children. I sometimes feel that I prefer the Walliams books to the Dahl ones as they are so inclusive. I adored the characters, especially good old Raj; I cannot get enough of Raj in this novel, he is simply amazing! Another character who stole my heart in this book was Mr. Snood the dramatics instructor. I myself always tend to overdo things & therefore sometimes, I too must be appearing to be very much like Mr. Snood with his compulsive ‘impro’ commands.
From lively characters to vivid descriptions, to tender emotional scenes to rip roaring debacles – ‘Demon Dentist’ has it all which can be enjoyed by all children aged 7 to 97! Trust David Walliams book to write a book worthy of a series of never ending giggles! If you are not a Walliams fan yet, you are seriously missing something! ‘Demon Dentist’ is a great book to start from, so grab your copy of this laugh riot crazy book today!
This was my first Walliams book which I read back in 2014 or 2013 when I had just started my writing career & when I was beginning to start a children’s library & book club in my tuition rooms. Obviously, David Walliams books became a must read at the club & ‘Demon Dentist’ was always being chosen to read by one student or another. All of those kids are now teenagers or young adults or are fully grown up adults with jobs & they still remember ‘Demon Dentist’ as one of their best David Walliams books ever. I will have to agree with them as the book is truly unputdownable.
The story is fantastical, sentimental, hilarious & written with a keen eye for detail. Walliams has indeed proven himself to be the true offspring of Roald Dahl’s style as is shown in his witty & humorous books for children. I sometimes feel that I prefer the Walliams books to the Dahl ones as they are so inclusive. I adored the characters, especially good old Raj; I cannot get enough of Raj in this novel, he is simply amazing! Another character who stole my heart in this book was Mr. Snood the dramatics instructor. I myself always tend to overdo things & therefore sometimes, I too must be appearing to be very much like Mr. Snood with his compulsive ‘impro’ commands.
From lively characters to vivid descriptions, to tender emotional scenes to rip roaring debacles – ‘Demon Dentist’ has it all which can be enjoyed by all children aged 7 to 97! Trust David Walliams book to write a book worthy of a series of never ending giggles! If you are not a Walliams fan yet, you are seriously missing something! ‘Demon Dentist’ is a great book to start from, so grab your copy of this laugh riot crazy book today!
July 22, 2018
David Walliams wants to be Roald Dahl so badly it hurts and illustrator Tony Ross has obviously been told to rip-off Quentin Blake's drawing style as shamelessly as humanly possible...
... but, despite this twofold style swiping, I can't help but love these books. There is such evident glee in their creation that it would take a greater curmudgeon than I not to be swept up in the delight.
Warning: as the author states in the introduction, this may be a children's book but it's also a horror novel and horrifyingly stomach-churning it truly is. If your precious, little DNA excretion is the type who can't cope with anything gross or scary, I'd recommend keeping this book out of the special little snowflake's dainty grasp. They may never recover...
... but, despite this twofold style swiping, I can't help but love these books. There is such evident glee in their creation that it would take a greater curmudgeon than I not to be swept up in the delight.
Warning: as the author states in the introduction, this may be a children's book but it's also a horror novel and horrifyingly stomach-churning it truly is. If your precious, little DNA excretion is the type who can't cope with anything gross or scary, I'd recommend keeping this book out of the special little snowflake's dainty grasp. They may never recover...
February 18, 2021
DNF around 75%
A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men. - Roald Dahl.
This started out as a lovely book reminiscent of Roald Dahl, but I might have chosen the wrong Walliams to get into his writing. The book is rather repetitive and the villain and protagonist don't seem to change very much and are incredibly one-dimensional. I gave up after 2 years. I won't given up on Walliams - I rather enjoy his writing and his sense of humour, but this just ain't it
A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men. - Roald Dahl.
This started out as a lovely book reminiscent of Roald Dahl, but I might have chosen the wrong Walliams to get into his writing. The book is rather repetitive and the villain and protagonist don't seem to change very much and are incredibly one-dimensional. I gave up after 2 years. I won't given up on Walliams - I rather enjoy his writing and his sense of humour, but this just ain't it
December 11, 2016
These David William's books are SO delightful! Usually they stay in normal reality but in this one we get some frightening witches and skeletons! And we have three wonderful new characters: Alfie, Gabz and Winnie. And Raj - our favorite newskeeper and seller of stale sweets - plays a major role. No spoilers but if you enjoyed Billionaire Boy, Gangsta Granny and Ratburger (the order we read them in my son and I) then you will LOVE this one too!
October 12, 2013
After recently reading Gangsta Granny I was quite eager to read more by David Walliams. He's funny, his books have great illustrations and children absolutely LOVE them. After reading my second book, Demon Dentist, I'm not a die-hard fan but I do want to read the rest of his back catalogue - always a good sign!
Demon Dentist, for me, is even better than Gangsta Granny. It's deceptively dark, gruesome and truly frightening when you deconstruct it. It's about a demon masquerading as a crazy dentist hellbent on ripping every child's entire mouthful of teeth out, leaving disgusting, vile 'gifts' under their pillow as a treat (like badger's paws and bat's wings, for example). I'm not sure how a younger reader would take this book, so it might be best to say it's for older children, maybe 10+. The illustrations are fantastically sinister, with Tony Ross perfectly capturing the grotesque Demon Dentist and her creepy cat, Fang.
As seems to be the case with David Walliams books, or at least the two I've read, they end on quite a sad note, which I find unusual for children's books. I don't know whether he's trying to teach kids a lesson about loss and grief, or prepare them for the inevitable, but it seems out of place, especially in Demon Dentist. I felt so sorry for Alfie, and I'm sure children reading it will, in some cases, be distraught!
This is a perfect book for me, thanks to its humour, horror theme and accompanying pictures. I like my children's books to be dark and disgusting wherever possible and, thanks to my lifelong phobia of the dentist, it seems Demon Dentist was written especially for me. I'm so glad I'm above the age when teeth are wobbly and fall out, because I would not like to go to bed thinking I'll wake up to find a horde of centipedes under my pillow. I hope kids don't lose much sleep after finishing this book!
Demon Dentist, for me, is even better than Gangsta Granny. It's deceptively dark, gruesome and truly frightening when you deconstruct it. It's about a demon masquerading as a crazy dentist hellbent on ripping every child's entire mouthful of teeth out, leaving disgusting, vile 'gifts' under their pillow as a treat (like badger's paws and bat's wings, for example). I'm not sure how a younger reader would take this book, so it might be best to say it's for older children, maybe 10+. The illustrations are fantastically sinister, with Tony Ross perfectly capturing the grotesque Demon Dentist and her creepy cat, Fang.
As seems to be the case with David Walliams books, or at least the two I've read, they end on quite a sad note, which I find unusual for children's books. I don't know whether he's trying to teach kids a lesson about loss and grief, or prepare them for the inevitable, but it seems out of place, especially in Demon Dentist. I felt so sorry for Alfie, and I'm sure children reading it will, in some cases, be distraught!
This is a perfect book for me, thanks to its humour, horror theme and accompanying pictures. I like my children's books to be dark and disgusting wherever possible and, thanks to my lifelong phobia of the dentist, it seems Demon Dentist was written especially for me. I'm so glad I'm above the age when teeth are wobbly and fall out, because I would not like to go to bed thinking I'll wake up to find a horde of centipedes under my pillow. I hope kids don't lose much sleep after finishing this book!
May 20, 2016
Loved this book. It was scary and really cool, but I don't really think that it is really for younger children because it may actually give them nightmares. I loved the characters, but I don't really know about Winnie. At first she was kind of annoying and I didn't really like her, but as the book went on, I started realizing that she is actually a really good and loving person. I loved this one and I'm really looking forward to reading more of David Walliams' books.
March 22, 2022
Đọc xong trong vòng 2 ngày, ai rảnh rỗi có thể đọc trong vòng 1 ngày. Sách dễ đọc và cực kỳ thú vị, sách của bác Walliams lúc nào cũng đủ chill. Đặc biệt là quyển này khai thác tình thương gia đình CỰC CẢM ĐỘNG.
March 31, 2018
Šī bija kartīga bērnu šausmene par zobu raganu, kad galvenajam varonim izrāva visus zobus. Vispār tas Valjams ir pilnīgs kukū vecis raksta par trakām tēmām ar klasisku angļu humora piedevu. Bērniem ļoti patīk un arī es labprāt šādas grāmatas lasu priekšā.
May 30, 2015
"TUDO O QUE PRECISAS DE FAZER É FECHAR OS OLHOS E ACREDITAR..."
Uma dentista demoníaca aparece na cidade de Alfie e Alfie é um menino muito pobre cuja mãe morreu e o pai é muito doente e depende dele para tudo e, assim, mal têem dinheiro para as necessidades básicas do ser humano. Quando esta dentista aparece e se encontra com Alfie, este com os seus dentes todos estragados... a coisa (NÃO) podia ter corrido bem...
A relação entre pai e filho ao longo de todo o livro, mesmo até ao fim, para mim, foi o ponto forte deste livro, até porque, se eu tivesse a idade do protagonista (12 anos), eu teria amado o livro.
Como tenho mais de 10 anos de diferença do protagonista, esta história já não me cativou tanto, mas, mesmo assim, é divertida e ainda emociona.
A história é cheia de acção com o mistério dos dentes que os meninos da cidade colocam debaixo das almofadas para a fada dos dentes, servir de mote para o enredo.
Assim como as partes mais calmas, são as partes familiares, entre Alfie e o pai.
Como eram pobres, não tinham também acesso às tecnologias e pai e filho passavam os serões com o pai a transportá-los para universos que de outro modo nunca os conseguiriam atingir...
Este livro está cheio de ilustrações, o que faz com que se leia de uma assentada e o faça ideal para meninos da idade de Alfie e Gabz (a amiga (namorada??) deste).
"Ás vezes, é possível sentirmo-nos felizes e tristes ao mesmo tempo."
Uma dentista demoníaca aparece na cidade de Alfie e Alfie é um menino muito pobre cuja mãe morreu e o pai é muito doente e depende dele para tudo e, assim, mal têem dinheiro para as necessidades básicas do ser humano. Quando esta dentista aparece e se encontra com Alfie, este com os seus dentes todos estragados... a coisa (NÃO) podia ter corrido bem...
A relação entre pai e filho ao longo de todo o livro, mesmo até ao fim, para mim, foi o ponto forte deste livro, até porque, se eu tivesse a idade do protagonista (12 anos), eu teria amado o livro.
Como tenho mais de 10 anos de diferença do protagonista, esta história já não me cativou tanto, mas, mesmo assim, é divertida e ainda emociona.
A história é cheia de acção com o mistério dos dentes que os meninos da cidade colocam debaixo das almofadas para a fada dos dentes, servir de mote para o enredo.
Assim como as partes mais calmas, são as partes familiares, entre Alfie e o pai.
Como eram pobres, não tinham também acesso às tecnologias e pai e filho passavam os serões com o pai a transportá-los para universos que de outro modo nunca os conseguiriam atingir...
Este livro está cheio de ilustrações, o que faz com que se leia de uma assentada e o faça ideal para meninos da idade de Alfie e Gabz (a amiga (namorada??) deste).
"Ás vezes, é possível sentirmo-nos felizes e tristes ao mesmo tempo."
April 23, 2014
Loving the book for the moment, don't nw what to expect, but hopfuly that I will enjoy it.
November 10, 2022
Another solid, reliable, entertaining and perfectly reliable book from David Williams, with great illustrations by Tony Ross. There's lots for the kids to enjoy here.
Ultimately though, written, illustrated and marketed in the style of Roald Dahl - sadly though not in the same league.
Ultimately though, written, illustrated and marketed in the style of Roald Dahl - sadly though not in the same league.
October 8, 2013
At the age of ten I think this book is fabulous but sad and funny at the same time. It made me cry at end but I certainly recommend it. I give it nine out of ten.
November 19, 2024
Rate : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I'm never going back to the dentist ever again”, mumbled Alfie, a boy who had just had an awful experience after going to the dentist in the past. Now six years later, suddenly the old dentist in the town suddenly died. Just then, the new dentist introduced herself to the school and from that on, Alfie life was changed…
As contemporary-modern children’s books, I love these! This book is presented in a realistic way, like experiences of grief, how to be brave to save the people you love and has very good humor too! I mean… a chunk lady became a blast of rocket because of coffee candy? I’m laughing so hard!! Is the author a comedian? I think I could detect the humorous vibes in his work. Also, he created a humorous word by himself but yet makes sense at the same time as “The Master's Degree of Dentisity*”.
This story also has some dark adventures and I think this book could match with Halloween vibes too. The end of the story is a little bit sad to be honest, but the story developed more in the final epilogue. I won’t say it too much, otherwise it will not be mysterious anymore. I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read more of his work!
“I'm never going back to the dentist ever again”, mumbled Alfie, a boy who had just had an awful experience after going to the dentist in the past. Now six years later, suddenly the old dentist in the town suddenly died. Just then, the new dentist introduced herself to the school and from that on, Alfie life was changed…
As contemporary-modern children’s books, I love these! This book is presented in a realistic way, like experiences of grief, how to be brave to save the people you love and has very good humor too! I mean… a chunk lady became a blast of rocket because of coffee candy? I’m laughing so hard!! Is the author a comedian? I think I could detect the humorous vibes in his work. Also, he created a humorous word by himself but yet makes sense at the same time as “The Master's Degree of Dentisity*”.
This story also has some dark adventures and I think this book could match with Halloween vibes too. The end of the story is a little bit sad to be honest, but the story developed more in the final epilogue. I won’t say it too much, otherwise it will not be mysterious anymore. I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read more of his work!
July 6, 2015
I really liked this book, David Walliams is probably one of my all time favorite authors.
I love David Walliams's sense of humour, with all of the made up words. It really makes the book entertaining.
Overall, a very fun read, and a nice break from Alex Rider. Going to read the next Alex Rider now!
I love David Walliams's sense of humour, with all of the made up words. It really makes the book entertaining.
Overall, a very fun read, and a nice break from Alex Rider. Going to read the next Alex Rider now!
April 3, 2023
I don't even really understand what I read here.
Kind of reminded me of Roald Dahl's writing, but more graphic and weirder.
Who knew David Walliams was so dark?
Kind of reminded me of Roald Dahl's writing, but more graphic and weirder.
Who knew David Walliams was so dark?
January 16, 2020
This book is amazing,
I love how it builds up the story line slowly and all the characters are well thought out. This book shows the. Character change of Alfie as he becomes brave and saves his dad.
I think that this book has taken an incredible fear of young children and turned it into a horror story, but all ends well as the queen of teeth is defeated.
I love how it builds up the story line slowly and all the characters are well thought out. This book shows the. Character change of Alfie as he becomes brave and saves his dad.
I think that this book has taken an incredible fear of young children and turned it into a horror story, but all ends well as the queen of teeth is defeated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2019
This is another fantastic book from David Walliams but most definitely one of his darker works.
As mentioned in several other reviews sensitive and younger children will likely find the dentist absolutely terrifying.
I actually soldiered on through the chapter when Alfie is trapped, restrained and tortured by the dentist inwardly preying and expecting for the funny stuff to happen to balance things but it just didn't, she rips all of his teeth out with horrifically described torture instruments and he escapes with no teeth at all.
It IS a funny story (in places) with some great characters as usual, Raj the newsagent is a big favourite of ours but I would definitely NOT recommend this for kids under 10, and especially not for any kids who have the slights fear of dentists!!
As mentioned in several other reviews sensitive and younger children will likely find the dentist absolutely terrifying.
I actually soldiered on through the chapter when Alfie is trapped, restrained and tortured by the dentist inwardly preying and expecting for the funny stuff to happen to balance things but it just didn't, she rips all of his teeth out with horrifically described torture instruments and he escapes with no teeth at all.
It IS a funny story (in places) with some great characters as usual, Raj the newsagent is a big favourite of ours but I would definitely NOT recommend this for kids under 10, and especially not for any kids who have the slights fear of dentists!!
May 24, 2018
So I'm torn about this one. I found it to be in bad taste a lot of the time and I actively disliked virtually all the characters, not to mention that the characters were all walking stereotypes and encourages the all too common, unhealthy fear of the dentist in children. BUT this book was not written for adults, it's a middle grade book and despite the fact that I cringed pretty much the entire time, my little brother (who is in the age group it was written for) absolutely *loved* it. So... I gave it a higher rating than I would have if I'd read it on my own. Clearly it appeals to the age group it was actually aimed at, so I guess it's ok.
November 26, 2015
A Book Review
A couple of weeks ago, I read the book, Demon Dentist, in English. It's a kid book, but I enjoyed it very much. Even though we are mature, some of growing ups don't like dentists. I do understand the protagonist feelings very much.
First of all, I thought the book has simple content, but this book is very well written. This book reminded me of my favorite author, Roald Dahl. I want to read his books more.
A couple of weeks ago, I read the book, Demon Dentist, in English. It's a kid book, but I enjoyed it very much. Even though we are mature, some of growing ups don't like dentists. I do understand the protagonist feelings very much.
First of all, I thought the book has simple content, but this book is very well written. This book reminded me of my favorite author, Roald Dahl. I want to read his books more.
June 3, 2015
Twelve-year-old Alfie hates going to the dentist. His teeth are yellow and brown and he loves sweets. He had an awful experience at the one-and-only dentist in town, Mr. Erstwhile, and has refused to go since then. Erstwhile croaks and a new dentist, Miss Root, shows up at Alfie's school to promote good dental hygiene. Or so it appears. But something is off... she's an odd tooth, saying that she will not give gory details on Erstwhile's death, but then gives the gory details: Erstwhile was found in his surgery room lying in a pool of blood with a dental probe through his heart.
Irony abounds as Miss Root sniffs out Alfie's rotten mouth-full of teeth in the school auditorium like a bloodhound. He gets pegged for an appointment at her office that he is determined to miss. Alfie describes the creepy dentist as, "The pupils in her eyes shone black. On second look, they were blacker than coal. Blacker than oil. Blacker than night. Blacker than the blackest black. In short, they were black." Like a stand-up comedian, the author has great timing that includes some hits and misses. This book needs a "snort-laugh ALERT." If you like silly books with exaggerated characters, then you'll like this comedy.
Alfie teams up with Gabz when he sees Miss Root acting suspicious. She is younger than him and he calls her his "girl friend" which all they adults interpret as his girlfriend. The two sputter in anger every time this happens and I laughed every time as it got more preposterous. Take Raj, the endearing dork of a newsagent, who says to Alfie: "'Your girlfriend?! Ooh...' cooed Raj. 'No, no!' exclaimed Alfie. 'She isn't my girlfriend. Gabz is just a friend who's a girl.' 'Your friendgirl*?'" The author puts an asterisk with a footnote: "*Made-up word ALERT (any letters of complaint to be addressed to Raj.) Move over spoiler alerts.
David Walliams pokes fun at evolving social cultures such as the boy who misses out on all the action at school because he texts 24/7. Or the drama teacher that thinks the social worker, Winnie, driving a moped throughout the school is part of an improv act. Or Winnie, the social worker, that eats and drinks like a piston with no sensitivity or respect to others. Then there is some toilet bowl humor with farting (that is in the top five next to "poop" and "butt" for kids at my school) along with some terrific scary parts, the need for false teeth, and "witchestry*". A snortingly* fun at the beach book. Okay. I would not make team Walliams made-up word list.
When kids at school start receiving gross items like bat wings, an old man's toenail, and an eyeball under their pillows from the tooth fairy, Alfie is sure it is connected with Miss Root. He teams up with Alfie, Raj, and Gabz to solve the mystery. The straightforward plot is easy to follow and Miss Root is a one dimensional villain. I did think Walliams walked a fine line with Winnie or maybe it is the illustrator. Come to think of it, Walliams implies she is black but never says so. Anyway, she's black and dresses in a kaleidoscope of outrageously bright clothes with bangles on her hands and a big bum. This stereotype is somewhat redeemed by Winnie's generous actions at the end, but I was uncomfortable with his descriptions and when she loses her clothes on the fence, I thought it was weird. That seemed unnecessary and a miss on the target audience. Walliams is consistent, however, creating adult characters that are extreme and exaggerated from the police officer to the head principal.
The witch is stereotyped and one dimensional. You've seen her before in many stories. I am reading Jack Zipes, "The Irresistible Fairy Tale," and it is a fascinating look at the evolution of storytelling and fairy tales. Zipes traces fairy tales from pagan societies to Roman Catholicism that "demonized pagan tales, rituals, and customs." Stories that used to have fairies and witches had good and bad ones until the church labeled it witchcraft and they became demonized. His book is very dense and I won't go into it but he shows how the witch in modern Europe and contemporary Western culture evolved into the one-dimensional demonized villain, like the one in this story, to support patriarchal traditions. This book's fairy tale ending follows the happily-ever-after trope and while it follows many traditional conventions, it does depart from some traditions when Gabz rescues Alfie after he fails to rescue her. As Zipes explains, fairy tales are not original but based on "human communication of shared experience" and evolve as societies remember and retell them year-after-year. I wonder what the fairy tale will look like hundreds of years from now and what stereotypes and conventions will have changed.
Demon dentist for me is a combination of slapstick, traditional European fairy tale, and "Struwwelpeter." The latter is a collection of moral stories published in 1845, that show the consequences of bad behaviors or manners often in a violent way. One boy sucks his thumbs and a tailor comes and cuts them off with his scissors. The illustration shows blood dripping from the boy's missing thumbs. Harriet plays with matches and burns herself up. She is a pile of ashes in the illustration with only her red shoes left. But while "Struwwelpeter" is serious in tone (although the cats crying in their hankies suggests otherwise), Walliam's book is not. Oh no. Stamp it with, "Guaranteed to snort laugh." Alfie might lose his teeth because he can't brush, but he gets the last laugh. David Walliams creates exaggerated, preposterous characters that are mostly adults and has great comedic timing with jokes. If you like silly books with a simple plot, then give this one a go.
Irony abounds as Miss Root sniffs out Alfie's rotten mouth-full of teeth in the school auditorium like a bloodhound. He gets pegged for an appointment at her office that he is determined to miss. Alfie describes the creepy dentist as, "The pupils in her eyes shone black. On second look, they were blacker than coal. Blacker than oil. Blacker than night. Blacker than the blackest black. In short, they were black." Like a stand-up comedian, the author has great timing that includes some hits and misses. This book needs a "snort-laugh ALERT." If you like silly books with exaggerated characters, then you'll like this comedy.
Alfie teams up with Gabz when he sees Miss Root acting suspicious. She is younger than him and he calls her his "girl friend" which all they adults interpret as his girlfriend. The two sputter in anger every time this happens and I laughed every time as it got more preposterous. Take Raj, the endearing dork of a newsagent, who says to Alfie: "'Your girlfriend?! Ooh...' cooed Raj. 'No, no!' exclaimed Alfie. 'She isn't my girlfriend. Gabz is just a friend who's a girl.' 'Your friendgirl*?'" The author puts an asterisk with a footnote: "*Made-up word ALERT (any letters of complaint to be addressed to Raj.) Move over spoiler alerts.
David Walliams pokes fun at evolving social cultures such as the boy who misses out on all the action at school because he texts 24/7. Or the drama teacher that thinks the social worker, Winnie, driving a moped throughout the school is part of an improv act. Or Winnie, the social worker, that eats and drinks like a piston with no sensitivity or respect to others. Then there is some toilet bowl humor with farting (that is in the top five next to "poop" and "butt" for kids at my school) along with some terrific scary parts, the need for false teeth, and "witchestry*". A snortingly* fun at the beach book. Okay. I would not make team Walliams made-up word list.
When kids at school start receiving gross items like bat wings, an old man's toenail, and an eyeball under their pillows from the tooth fairy, Alfie is sure it is connected with Miss Root. He teams up with Alfie, Raj, and Gabz to solve the mystery. The straightforward plot is easy to follow and Miss Root is a one dimensional villain. I did think Walliams walked a fine line with Winnie or maybe it is the illustrator. Come to think of it, Walliams implies she is black but never says so. Anyway, she's black and dresses in a kaleidoscope of outrageously bright clothes with bangles on her hands and a big bum. This stereotype is somewhat redeemed by Winnie's generous actions at the end, but I was uncomfortable with his descriptions and when she loses her clothes on the fence, I thought it was weird. That seemed unnecessary and a miss on the target audience. Walliams is consistent, however, creating adult characters that are extreme and exaggerated from the police officer to the head principal.
The witch is stereotyped and one dimensional. You've seen her before in many stories. I am reading Jack Zipes, "The Irresistible Fairy Tale," and it is a fascinating look at the evolution of storytelling and fairy tales. Zipes traces fairy tales from pagan societies to Roman Catholicism that "demonized pagan tales, rituals, and customs." Stories that used to have fairies and witches had good and bad ones until the church labeled it witchcraft and they became demonized. His book is very dense and I won't go into it but he shows how the witch in modern Europe and contemporary Western culture evolved into the one-dimensional demonized villain, like the one in this story, to support patriarchal traditions. This book's fairy tale ending follows the happily-ever-after trope and while it follows many traditional conventions, it does depart from some traditions when Gabz rescues Alfie after he fails to rescue her. As Zipes explains, fairy tales are not original but based on "human communication of shared experience" and evolve as societies remember and retell them year-after-year. I wonder what the fairy tale will look like hundreds of years from now and what stereotypes and conventions will have changed.
Demon dentist for me is a combination of slapstick, traditional European fairy tale, and "Struwwelpeter." The latter is a collection of moral stories published in 1845, that show the consequences of bad behaviors or manners often in a violent way. One boy sucks his thumbs and a tailor comes and cuts them off with his scissors. The illustration shows blood dripping from the boy's missing thumbs. Harriet plays with matches and burns herself up. She is a pile of ashes in the illustration with only her red shoes left. But while "Struwwelpeter" is serious in tone (although the cats crying in their hankies suggests otherwise), Walliam's book is not. Oh no. Stamp it with, "Guaranteed to snort laugh." Alfie might lose his teeth because he can't brush, but he gets the last laugh. David Walliams creates exaggerated, preposterous characters that are mostly adults and has great comedic timing with jokes. If you like silly books with a simple plot, then give this one a go.
October 22, 2013
I've been a fan of Walliams' children's books since The Boy in the Dress. I loved Billionaire Boy. I've read all the others. And I'm thrilled that kids read them, love them, read some more.
But Ratburger and Demon Dentist... I'm disappointed. Maybe I'd be giving it 5 stars too if I was 10. But I just can't.
I think David Walliams' best books for kids are the ones that are obviously personal to him (and very touching) or funny without trying stupidly hard to be funny, without villains, that are character-driven, that don't aim towards an over-the-top Indiana Jones chase sequence and lose their unique feel.
There's nothing 'wrong' with Demon Dentist - you've got a poor kid who's lost his mum, whose dad is disabled from inhaling mine dust, who is losing teeth after bad experiences at the dentist many years ago. Along comes a scary new dentist intent on getting our hero into her chair for her own nefarious reasons. Our hero must work out what is going on and how to save the day. With a sidekick of sorts in a girl from school and with an overly-helpful chocolate munching social worker trying to get him to his dental appointment.
For me, things just didn't gel. Alfie himself is likeable - a young carer with a dentist phobia.
It's the characters around him that I didn't like. Winnie the social worker is very much a stereotype, and her biscuit munching annoying. I was a bit creeped out by Alfie's dad calling him "pup". And by Alfie constantly calling the underused Gabz, his "friend girl" as a "little girl"... She's in secondary school. I didn't understand why the dentist refers to herself as "Mummy" either.
Poor Raj, formerly my favourite character is taken out of his lovely corner shop context and put more firmly in the action, only to be "cowering" in every scene.
I didn't find a 'texting boy' character funny, maybe I'm just getting old...
And there were some plot questions I had:
*SPOILER ALERT*
What is the purpose of the acidic toothpaste - if the dentist wants teeth and the toothpaste destroys them, what good is that?!
Why does Alfie want a tooth from Raj and not from someone at school, many of whom seem to be losing their teeth every day?
Why can't the dentist just STAY DEAD?! How many times does she come back to life?
*END OF SPOILERS*
Walliams clearly admires Roald Dahl's books and emulates them (this time managing a Mr Twit-beard-like picture) but in my mind he falls short with his latest in measuring up. Dahl was almost Dickensian in his cast of supporting characters, Wallaims' aren't fleshed out. Even at 400 pages, this book resorts to visual gimmicks rather than revolting/witty descriptions. He's done it better in the past.
I didn't like the ending again, as with Ratburger. Too much of a chase (after chase after chase) with an ending I didn't want.
Am I an old misery guts? I hope not. I don't think Walliams will lose money with Demon Dentist, and I can see that it's going to be popular. I just think he's selling himself short by veering in this direction with his writing. Demon Dentist is in many ways his saddest book, but I found Billionaire Boy much more moving and that was about a rich kid! I found Boy in the Dress very upsetting - because a boy's dad missed his wife. These were more considered and character-driven, they didn't try as hard to win readers.
I didn't plan on writing this much. I just feel disappointed in Walliams a little.
I'm glad so many children are reading it, there's lots of techniques employed that they'll enjoy and learn from, it just really wasn't in the same league as earlier books from him.
But Ratburger and Demon Dentist... I'm disappointed. Maybe I'd be giving it 5 stars too if I was 10. But I just can't.
I think David Walliams' best books for kids are the ones that are obviously personal to him (and very touching) or funny without trying stupidly hard to be funny, without villains, that are character-driven, that don't aim towards an over-the-top Indiana Jones chase sequence and lose their unique feel.
There's nothing 'wrong' with Demon Dentist - you've got a poor kid who's lost his mum, whose dad is disabled from inhaling mine dust, who is losing teeth after bad experiences at the dentist many years ago. Along comes a scary new dentist intent on getting our hero into her chair for her own nefarious reasons. Our hero must work out what is going on and how to save the day. With a sidekick of sorts in a girl from school and with an overly-helpful chocolate munching social worker trying to get him to his dental appointment.
For me, things just didn't gel. Alfie himself is likeable - a young carer with a dentist phobia.
It's the characters around him that I didn't like. Winnie the social worker is very much a stereotype, and her biscuit munching annoying. I was a bit creeped out by Alfie's dad calling him "pup". And by Alfie constantly calling the underused Gabz, his "friend girl" as a "little girl"... She's in secondary school. I didn't understand why the dentist refers to herself as "Mummy" either.
Poor Raj, formerly my favourite character is taken out of his lovely corner shop context and put more firmly in the action, only to be "cowering" in every scene.
I didn't find a 'texting boy' character funny, maybe I'm just getting old...
And there were some plot questions I had:
*SPOILER ALERT*
What is the purpose of the acidic toothpaste - if the dentist wants teeth and the toothpaste destroys them, what good is that?!
Why does Alfie want a tooth from Raj and not from someone at school, many of whom seem to be losing their teeth every day?
Why can't the dentist just STAY DEAD?! How many times does she come back to life?
*END OF SPOILERS*
Walliams clearly admires Roald Dahl's books and emulates them (this time managing a Mr Twit-beard-like picture) but in my mind he falls short with his latest in measuring up. Dahl was almost Dickensian in his cast of supporting characters, Wallaims' aren't fleshed out. Even at 400 pages, this book resorts to visual gimmicks rather than revolting/witty descriptions. He's done it better in the past.
I didn't like the ending again, as with Ratburger. Too much of a chase (after chase after chase) with an ending I didn't want.
Am I an old misery guts? I hope not. I don't think Walliams will lose money with Demon Dentist, and I can see that it's going to be popular. I just think he's selling himself short by veering in this direction with his writing. Demon Dentist is in many ways his saddest book, but I found Billionaire Boy much more moving and that was about a rich kid! I found Boy in the Dress very upsetting - because a boy's dad missed his wife. These were more considered and character-driven, they didn't try as hard to win readers.
I didn't plan on writing this much. I just feel disappointed in Walliams a little.
I'm glad so many children are reading it, there's lots of techniques employed that they'll enjoy and learn from, it just really wasn't in the same league as earlier books from him.
May 6, 2016
I recently did my placement in a year four class and nearly every child was reading, or had read, a David Walliams book. Not wanting to be left behind I bought Demon Dentist and Gangsta Granny… When picking this book up, I didn’t expect to go on an emotional journey. I thought I was going to spend the entire book laughing, not crying!
When I think of David Walliams, I think of his comedy. So, when I picked up his book, I assumed that it would be hilarious. But you know what they say about assuming… What I hadn’t been told by anyone are the heart wrenching characters Walliams creates. Within this book, the main protagonist is a little boy called Alfie. His mother died giving birth to him. His dad is in a wheel chair because he was a coal miner, and the years of going into the pits have taken the toll on his lungs, and his health has been getting progressively worse. Alfie wears scraggy school clothes and gets bullied. On top of this, Alfie hasn’t been to the dentist in six years and has very rotten teeth.
Despite the sadness of Alfie’s position, the plot itself is very funny and enjoyable, sending Alfie on adventures to find the truth about the new dentist in town. The plot is not at all realistic, but this is what makes it so fun and unpredictable. I found myself audibly laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
The books look scary because they are big, but are relatively easy to read. I would definitely recommend this to older children, and adults, to read. Although, I would warn people to check the content before giving it to certain children as it could be quite upsetting for some children (children in similar situations, or who get scared easily).
For this review, and others like it, see: https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...
When I think of David Walliams, I think of his comedy. So, when I picked up his book, I assumed that it would be hilarious. But you know what they say about assuming… What I hadn’t been told by anyone are the heart wrenching characters Walliams creates. Within this book, the main protagonist is a little boy called Alfie. His mother died giving birth to him. His dad is in a wheel chair because he was a coal miner, and the years of going into the pits have taken the toll on his lungs, and his health has been getting progressively worse. Alfie wears scraggy school clothes and gets bullied. On top of this, Alfie hasn’t been to the dentist in six years and has very rotten teeth.
Despite the sadness of Alfie’s position, the plot itself is very funny and enjoyable, sending Alfie on adventures to find the truth about the new dentist in town. The plot is not at all realistic, but this is what makes it so fun and unpredictable. I found myself audibly laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
The books look scary because they are big, but are relatively easy to read. I would definitely recommend this to older children, and adults, to read. Although, I would warn people to check the content before giving it to certain children as it could be quite upsetting for some children (children in similar situations, or who get scared easily).
For this review, and others like it, see: https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...
June 16, 2016
I saw one friend's (who's a dentist) concern that such book might frighten kids even more when it comes to a question of dentist visit. And children are already scared of dentists (I was and still am to this day!). So how come such book was even published?
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it immensely. If I had a child, I would reconsider if I really wanted to give such a book for a kid. But I definetely recommend it to grown-ups who enjoy children's books.
The dentist is a really scary witch. Quite a perfect halloweenish witch. And she has a cat named Fang. I just love such evil characters!
But the main book emphasis goes around a very poor boy and his very unfortunate life. I see how this part is set to teach kids sympathy and tenderness, not to bully the ones that don't or can't fit in, be compassionate and understanding.
And I see that there is a need to make it interesting and that's where you need some evil witch, because how otherwise will you keep the children's attention?
I listened to the audio book and the reading was so good, especially the twist on accents and language nuances. I have to give 5 stars even if that means more children with rotten teeth!
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it immensely. If I had a child, I would reconsider if I really wanted to give such a book for a kid. But I definetely recommend it to grown-ups who enjoy children's books.
The dentist is a really scary witch. Quite a perfect halloweenish witch. And she has a cat named Fang. I just love such evil characters!
But the main book emphasis goes around a very poor boy and his very unfortunate life. I see how this part is set to teach kids sympathy and tenderness, not to bully the ones that don't or can't fit in, be compassionate and understanding.
And I see that there is a need to make it interesting and that's where you need some evil witch, because how otherwise will you keep the children's attention?
I listened to the audio book and the reading was so good, especially the twist on accents and language nuances. I have to give 5 stars even if that means more children with rotten teeth!
May 10, 2017
Very very disappointed with this book, this was the first book I have read by David Walliams and maybe it was the wrong place to start.
David Walliams is such a funny guy and I was expecting so much more from this book, maybe something as crazy and funny as Roald Dahl but it falls way short of that.
The characters felt very flat and the plot was weak, the Demon Dentist could have been made much scarier.
There were a couple of fun parts in this, Winnie riding through the school on her moped made me chuckle a couple of times.
Not really sure if I can be bothered reading another of his books, maybe one day I will try Mr. Stink.
David Walliams is such a funny guy and I was expecting so much more from this book, maybe something as crazy and funny as Roald Dahl but it falls way short of that.
The characters felt very flat and the plot was weak, the Demon Dentist could have been made much scarier.
There were a couple of fun parts in this, Winnie riding through the school on her moped made me chuckle a couple of times.
Not really sure if I can be bothered reading another of his books, maybe one day I will try Mr. Stink.
March 19, 2014
First David Walliams book I've read. Loved its dark humour. Quite Roald Dahl-like at times. Great for any age.
October 23, 2015
A creepy-fun romp that any fans of Roald Dahl will enjoy. Lots of fun made-up-words, gross illustrations and two sweet kids trying to figure it out.
January 11, 2016
My boys liked it very much. Humor and action.
March 14, 2016
Just finished! Not the most light hearted of subjects to be reading with a 6 year old but still enjoyable!
March 30, 2016
Fun but wow will not help anyone be more comfortable with dentists!
April 6, 2016
A fun mystery type kids book. The reason I read it was that I was going to buy it for my dentist. But, it turned out to be a book about a bad dentist! Re-thought that gift!
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