Book Review of What-the-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy
The Children’s Book Review
Written by Gregory Maguire
Ages 9-12 | 304 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick | ISBN-13: 978-0763629618
This is a story that will take you on a journey where fantasy and reality are wonderfully intertwined.
“A fug of smoke lay on the slopes above the deserted freeway. It might have reminded neighbors of campfire hours, but there were few neighbors around to notice. Most of them had gotten out while they still could.”
In reality, we have three siblings, one of whom is a toddler, stranded in their own home by a devastating natural disaster. A distant cousin of their mother, Gage, is taking care of them. As they have no electricity and not much in the way of food, Gage decides to tell the three children a story to distract them. The story he tells is certainly not an everyday fairy tale, and this is where the fantasy sets in.
What-the-Dickens is the Rogue Tooth Fairy and the main character of Gage’s tale. He is an orphan and spends his time trying to figure out who he is, and why he is so attracted to teeth (even pearly brown ones). There is a special something about his character that has you keeping your fingers crossed that life goes his way. What-the-Dickens is challenged with making new friends, meeting unlikely friends, and entering the Skibbereen (tooth fairy) society.
I certainly recommend giving this modern take on a traditional tale a shot. It may not be for everyone, but certainly worth picking up to see if it’s right for you. Why not try reading aloud a chapter next bedtime?! “you’ll be flown to your next destination without the benefit of an airplane.”
Gregory Maguire discusses what-the-dickens
