The dentist can be quite a scary
concept for children, but Dr. De Soto may help quell some fears. The story is well formed, with several
sentences surrounding a pastel watercolor picture on each page. Dr. De Soto is a dentist - but he is also a mouse, so he faces unique challenges while tending
to larger animals. His sign advertises that he does not serve "cats and other
dangerous animals." However, when a fox comes with a crippling toothache, Dr. De Soto and his wife take pity and agree to treat him. The doctor and his wife are not so
naive as to think the fox will be so grateful he definitely will not eat them
after they help, so they implement a plan to assure their ultimate safety while
still helping the fox. They outfox the fox! The primary lesson portrayed is
to be grateful for those who help you out.
Another great lesson taught in the
book includes the process of visiting the dentist. It may help to
see the whole process unfold, and see that the fox is ultimately fine. The book shows Dr.
De Soto administering laughing gas, extracting the tooth, and putting gauze in
the hole to stop the bleeding. This honest portrayal of the dentist is a
wonderful way to help prepare your child. Odds are, their visit will be much
easier that the fox's! The story also introduces some impressive new words to
little readers' vocabulary, such as dicuspid, extract, winch, particle,
permeate, dentine, and dignity.
Like many toddlers, my niece had
some negative associations with the dentist. I
brought this book over one day to see if I could soothe any anxiety about her
upcoming dentist appointment. It inspired many cute questions, such as "Do
animals have to go to the dentist too?" "Do teeth really look that long when
they come out?" and "Is there really a secret formula that will glue our mouths
shut?" Of course, I had to assure her that last one was only for foxes.
--Audra
