The Lost-and-Found Tooth

by Louise Borden, Adam Gustavson (Illustrator)

Do you remember when and where you lost your first tooth?

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2008

About the author

There were already two Louises in my family when I was born: my mother and my grandmother, Nana, who lived with us when I was growing up. So early on, I was given the name Leezie. This is a name that my family still calls me. Years later, my niece was born and also named Louise. Then there were four of us with the same name! Louise is a fine name to have except that people often spell it incorrectly. Sometimes my mail is addressed to Louisa, or Louisie, or Lewis, or Lois. Leezie is also tough for people to spell. Names and their pronunciations have always interested me, so writing about a teacher named Mrs. Kempczinski was a natural thing for me to do.

I grew up in a house at the top of a steep street in Cincinnati, Ohio, the kind of street that is a big challenge when you are pedaling uphill on your bicycle. My two sisters and I used to ride our bikes down, down our street, and then to the local dimestore to buy candy bars or meet up with our friends. But coming home, we had to pedal up our long hill. (This was before mountain bikes!) Pedaling slowly up my street may be where I learned perseverance, something all writers need when they are working alone at their desks.

Writing picture books came much later—after studying history in college, getting married, and raising three children. Even though I didn't grow up to be a composer, I like to think that my picture books are almost songs because the sound of words and the poetry of my style are so important in the texts that I write. I work very hard at my desk, revising and revising and revising, trying to find just the right words that will be beautiful or fun to read.

Reviews

[Allison Turkish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute book! The narrator is so earnest, feeling sad that other kids seems like they are losing teeth a lot and she hasn't lost one.

I think my favorite part of the story is that the teacher lets kids write their how-I-lost-my tooth-story with a green marker... that has a plastic tooth on top of the cap. What a great idea!

[Terry]

Kids will relate to this book. Parents will love the excellent illustrations. Read the full review at the Reading Tub.

[Charlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Reilly has asked the students in his second grade class to record the date, time, and place each time one loses a tooth. Some children have already lost teeth before they entered second grade, but Lucy hasn't and, as the year progresses, she begins to feel she will never have the opportunity to add her name to the chart.

This early chapter book about second grade is just right for that age.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story in free verse about a girl who can't seem to lose her first tooth. Everyone else in her class has lost a tooth, but she hasn't. Her teacher does "tooth" math and has students track their "tooth stories" whenever they lose a tooth. When will it be HER turn to do some tooth math and tell a tooth story? Happily, she does get her chance, and her tooth story ends up being a good one.

Watercolor illustrations.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds me of the style of books I grew up with in the 70's, although this was published in 2008. Wonderful story that teaches the importance of documenting one's personal history, centered on experiences in the classroom, and a teacher's love of his students. Colorful illustrations and a really good choice for kids who are in the stage of losing their baby teeth.

For ages 5-7.

[Michelle Nero · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've all lost a tooth. We all have a story to tell about losing a tooth. I love how Mr. Reilly weaves the importance of knowing the date, telling time and sharing a story of losing a tooth.

What a quick, fun read about a lost and found tooth!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable series of poems on that elementary-school rite of passage, losing your first tooth. Easy reader with pleasant illustrations and a fun if a bit long-winded story.

[Donalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book about losing your teeth that causes my eyes to well with tears deserves 5 stars.

[Jocelyn Montalvo Cullum]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138238