The Toothpaste Genie

by Sandy Frances Duncan

Duncan, Frances

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction

134 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Shannon Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read June 2024

This was such a piece of nostalgia for me. My first (and up until now, only) encounter with this book was when my Grade 3 teacher read this to the class--we're looking at 21-22 years ago, here--and even after all these years, the story stuck with me.

So, when it yet again popped into my head, I had to secure a used copy from Amazon, just to see if it was as I remembered. Aside from a few details lost to the passage of time, the genie's personality and the difficulty he caused with his mischievous antics were as I remembered them. On top of everything, not only did I have the benefit of actually reading it for myself, I was also able to grasp things I hadn't comprehended back then--including the ability to infer tones so that when the story reached its conclusion and Amanda and the genie said their goodbyes, I was able to see the exchange and experience it for the heartfelt goodbye it was.

I feel this story, while very simplistic in its presentation and execution, proves to be more than a satisfactory read; more so indeed, when it was able to pull 8 or 9-year-old me out to experience it all over again.

[Mary-Ann]

Another book I remember reading, when I must have been 9 or 10. I adored this book. So much so that I insisted upon Journalling "In the Style of" this book. As if I had my own toothpaste genie and the subsequent adventures I would have in life. It was a pretty way to frame looking at things.

[Tara Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my fourth book for the 2015 reading challenge "a book from your childhood." This book was a favourite of mine and it still is. A fun read and a great conversation starter with kids about what they'd wish for and how to problem solve the possible issues with a careless genie!

[Amanda || eastofreaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was maybe 10 or so, in the mid-90s, and a vague memory of it recently popped up. Luckily someone was able to help me remember what book this was, because the level of nostalgia I'm experiencing right is unreal.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I haven't read this one for years. It is so obscure that I thought this website wouldn't have it.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in 5th grade and did a book report on it. What fun memories!

[Pheonex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book multiple times in my youth. It's really a hidden gem, and I highly recommend it.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was a little kid and I loved the book so much. It stuck with me and I would always tell friends about it to no avail. At one point I was worried I had made it up.

So a few weeks ago I impulsively Googled "toothpaste genie" and this book came up! Lo and behold it was the very same one. Inevitably I ordered it and read it again. It stands the test of time.

One of the first instances of unreliable narrator I've read. Coming of age themes persist throughout the novel. Imagery that is still expansive and captivating. I can't wait to read this to my kids some day.

[Shelbie Allred · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one that I read several times as a kid. When my nephew was born I looked for a copy and was sad to learn it was out of print. But I found a used copy on-line recently and bought it for my step-son and someday my daughter to enjoy! It was a lot of fun to read and based on my step-son`s reaction it is timeless. If you can find a copy I highly recommend it.