Nice Try, Tooth Fairy

In a series of brief letters, Emma thanks the Tooth Fairy for the money left behind for her first tooth, then politely asks to borrow it back to show to Grandpa. The fairy obliges, but brings a hippopotamus's tooth by mistake, and its owner comes to the girl's room to claim it. After a succession of wrong attempts, during which a hedgehog, a skunk, an elephant, and an alligator visit Emma, the Tooth Fairy is finally successful -- and better prepared for the next time. Olson's text is simple and effective and the nicely understated tone gives free rein to the whimsical illustrations. The perspective of the jewel-toned oil paintings is slightly askew, giving them a sense of liveliness and motion. One double spread depicts the frazzled fairy searching for Emma's tooth in her cluttered office, and sharp-eyed readers will be able to spot it. This charming effort will work well for a smaller-sized storytime and is just perfect for reading one-on-one.