Tina the First Tooth Fairy
Tina the First Tooth Fairy is an artistic and imaginative picture-book take on a classic childhood myth.
Bruce F. Scharschmidt’s entertaining picture book Tina the First Tooth Fairy muses through the origins of a famous contemporary fable.
In the world of fairies, Tina doesn’t seem to fit in. Whether they’re considering her for godmother or protector duties, her elders can’t think of a suitable job for a small, slow-flying fairy without sparkle. Tina’s sister Bree is more supportive; she reminds Tina that she’s both smart and creative—a perfect combination for solving big problems.
Meanwhile, the fairies’ supply of fairy dust—the only source for their magic—is running out. Believing that the magic dust is calling to her, Tina grabs her wand and sets out to find a permanent solution. Following the sound to its source, she finds a boy with a loose tooth and wonders what he contributes to her goal.
Proffering an answer to the question of what the tooth fairy does with the teeth that she takes, this story includes a satisfying explanation for an otherwise peculiar tradition. And Tina models positive behaviors: even though she was looked down upon by older fairies, Tina still chooses to use her talents for the good of all.
The rhyme scheme of the prose makes its lines quick and catchy to read, though not all of the rhymes are perfect fits. And the illustrations are lush, colorful, and realistic, mixing bright and dark hues that are enhanced by the use of sunlight, moonlight, shade, shadow, and the inherent shine of the fairies and their magic. The cast’s emotions are well represented, too, including joy, melancholy, and surprise.
Tina the First Tooth Fairy is an artistic and imaginative picture-book take on a classic childhood myth.
Reviewed by
Ian Dailey
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
