What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tooth Book
Chew, chomp and smile with Dr. Seuss with this hilarious book all about teeth-now in a new book perfect for the littlest of readers!
A classic work by Dr. Seuss writing as Theo. LeSieg, with new illustrations by Joe Mathieu, about who has teeth, who doesn't, and how to keep the ones you have! Learn about this very important body part that lets us talk, eat, and more in this useful guide! From a lion's mouth to a clam's, explore all the things teeth can do, how they grow, and how to keep them in tip top shape!
Dr. Seuss's rhymes will delight young readers and help them discover the world around them, starting with their own bodies!
Dr. Seuss (who was known as Theodor Geisel when he wasn't writing or drawing) wrote and illustrated 44 books for children and their lucky parents. But sometimes Dr. Seuss liked to write books and have someone else draw the pictures. For those books he used the pen name Theo. LeSieg (which is Geisel spelled backward!).
Jon Mathieu has drawn the pictures for many children's books—in fact, The Tooth Book is his 100th book! He was "wildly excited" to work on a book by Dr. Seuss, calling him "one of the real geniuses of our field." Mr. Mathieu lives in Brooklyn, Connecticut, where he likes to ride bicycles, cook and play ragtime music on the piano.
A classic work by Dr. Seuss writing as Theo. LeSieg, with new illustrations by Joe Mathieu, about who has teeth, who doesn't, and how to keep the ones you have! Learn about this very important body part that lets us talk, eat, and more in this useful guide! From a lion's mouth to a clam's, explore all the things teeth can do, how they grow, and how to keep them in tip top shape!
Dr. Seuss's rhymes will delight young readers and help them discover the world around them, starting with their own bodies!
Dr. Seuss (who was known as Theodor Geisel when he wasn't writing or drawing) wrote and illustrated 44 books for children and their lucky parents. But sometimes Dr. Seuss liked to write books and have someone else draw the pictures. For those books he used the pen name Theo. LeSieg (which is Geisel spelled backward!).
Jon Mathieu has drawn the pictures for many children's books—in fact, The Tooth Book is his 100th book! He was "wildly excited" to work on a book by Dr. Seuss, calling him "one of the real geniuses of our field." Mr. Mathieu lives in Brooklyn, Connecticut, where he likes to ride bicycles, cook and play ragtime music on the piano.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1981
37 people are currently reading
2,619 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
March 9, 2017
Besides Seuss's wonderful off the wall humor, we enjoy the illustrations as well.
July 1, 2018
I thought I had read all the Dr. Seuss books and I find out there are many left to read for me so I am trying to get them. This is one I missed from 1981. The art was redone in 2000. I wonder why I never saw this as a child? Dr. Seuss was huge back then.
I loved the artwork and Dr. Seuss has such a simple way with words. It is wonderful to read another book by him even if this is one for young children. My nephew got my niece wanting to read this book so they both read it and really enjoyed it. Dr. Seuss is magic
I like the parts showing animals with no teeth like the snail.
I loved the artwork and Dr. Seuss has such a simple way with words. It is wonderful to read another book by him even if this is one for young children. My nephew got my niece wanting to read this book so they both read it and really enjoyed it. Dr. Seuss is magic
I like the parts showing animals with no teeth like the snail.
September 17, 2020
I wish I read this book when I was first losing my teeth like seriously, this would have made me so happy to get rid of "set one" and get "set two" and I probably wouldn't have tried to untie knots with my teeth and so and so forth.
I just love the way these things are drawn, you know? You know what I am talking about. There is a certain artistry to the way Dr. Seuss' work is done, and it's marvelous and unique.
I want to own everything Seuss.
Shout out to Bri who brought these books over to my house knowing I would finish them in a day!
I just love the way these things are drawn, you know? You know what I am talking about. There is a certain artistry to the way Dr. Seuss' work is done, and it's marvelous and unique.
I want to own everything Seuss.
Shout out to Bri who brought these books over to my house knowing I would finish them in a day!
January 1, 2019
Cute little book
March 7, 2016
This book is not good because I already know about teeth. Isaiah (4)
March 1, 2019
I’ve always wanted to read book with a trapeze artist inside! Do you know it is important to have two sets of teeth? The Tooth Book story will explain why!
October 11, 2012
Disappointing. For a book about teeth, it didn't mention brushing or flossing, just a general "take care of your teeth" with creepy large-toothed characters.
My biggest complaint about the book was that I didn't appreciate the name-calling examples "don't be stupid like..."
I also didn't like the suggestion to "don't bite your dentist... bite someone else instead"
Ummmm... how about don't bite people! For a book intended to be enjoyed by toddlers/preschoolers, the biting suggestion is ill-placed.
I feel like I should have pre-read this book, as it was, I just stuck it right back into the library bag after the first reading so we wouldn't read it again. And I skipped/changed some of the words when I was reading it, but I can't always get away with that.
My biggest complaint about the book was that I didn't appreciate the name-calling examples "don't be stupid like..."
I also didn't like the suggestion to "don't bite your dentist... bite someone else instead"
Ummmm... how about don't bite people! For a book intended to be enjoyed by toddlers/preschoolers, the biting suggestion is ill-placed.
I feel like I should have pre-read this book, as it was, I just stuck it right back into the library bag after the first reading so we wouldn't read it again. And I skipped/changed some of the words when I was reading it, but I can't always get away with that.
May 3, 2020
This is currently Jill's favorite book. My sister gave it to her less than two weeks ago, and Jill already walks around the house reciting it at random moments. I wish he used a different word than "dumb" near the end, but it honestly is dumb to break your teeth untying knots and removing bottle tops, so I guess it's not that bad. I just don't want Jill to start calling people dumb. She hasn't yet though! And the book does have some really good information about teeth. Mostly though, Jill just thinks it is hilarious. (Although she also currently thinks that jellyfish are called trombones. She loves that page!)
February 9, 2017
I'm normally on board for all things Seuss, but this one was rather off. I appreciate the showing of the variety of teeth and the variety of those who have them (all kinds of animals) but there was a weird shaming thing going on for animals who don't have teeth, like they're lesser or something. And several times sense and facts were sacrificed to the rhyme, like the idea that creatures without teeth can't eat jam. Teeth are in no way required for jam. Don't tell kids lies.
And the rhyme scheme was out of whack several times. Not up to your usual standard, Seuss. And that red-haired uncle is super creepy, illustrator Mathieu.
And the rhyme scheme was out of whack several times. Not up to your usual standard, Seuss. And that red-haired uncle is super creepy, illustrator Mathieu.
August 21, 2013
Looks like a Dr. Seuss book, but really isn't. Not the same style or fun. It wasn't just me that noticed it, but my 5 yr old, while reading it himself this morning, noticed it too. Just not one of our favorites, although some of the pictures were pretty silly and made him laugh, like the jellyfish trying to play the trombone. A cute book, but don't be expecting the originality that is Dr. Seuss in this one.
May 15, 2022
Lovely ..
Buying this little nice book for my niece 🥰
Buying this little nice book for my niece 🥰
June 5, 2019
I really, really REALLY dislike the illustrations in this book. So much so that I wish we didn't own it. My son wants me to "read" it (Flip the pages while he looks, but isn't patient enough with this particular book to actually let me read more than a few words at a time before **flip, flip flip**) but even he seems disenchanted with the book, except for the front and back inside cover images which have shadows of various animals and their teeth. I have no idea why he wants me to read it every few nights except for that he wants to see the front and back inside cover. Ugh... this book. I'll be so glad when he grows out of it. The people kind of disgust me with their bulbous, gross, distorted, ugly looking features. Ew.
2019 update:
Well...this thing has grown on me. We still have it and now my son is 5. We still read it regularly and the gd book has grown on me. I find myself a little fond of the sad clam without teeth or the forlorn trombone player. Don't get me started on Simon Sneeth who I need to adopt and get some dentures yo. It just goes to show that even if I dislike the book, if my son makes me read it enough I'll find something to enjoy lol.
2019 update:
Well...this thing has grown on me. We still have it and now my son is 5. We still read it regularly and the gd book has grown on me. I find myself a little fond of the sad clam without teeth or the forlorn trombone player. Don't get me started on Simon Sneeth who I need to adopt and get some dentures yo. It just goes to show that even if I dislike the book, if my son makes me read it enough I'll find something to enjoy lol.
June 4, 2016
Along with , , and from what I guess, , this is just a book of rhymes about teeth. It touches on the purpose of teeth (eating, speech, and smiling for pictures, haha), and the dos and don'ts for maintenance (which is kind of cool, if you ask me). My 10 month old daughter is OBSESSED with these books.
June 4, 2012
Not Dr. Seuss' finest work. Seuss explains that everyone has teeth: doctors, Jack-o-laterns, lions, etc. Except clams and snails and chickens. I am not certain why the change of pace there. Then he returns with the plea to take take care of one's teeth.
It's Dr. Seuss so it is good. But at the same time, it is not such a book one will hold up as the best.
I will say, however, it may be a good book to illustrate for our classroom door in March. Something a little different. Ray McKie is the illustrator of this one.
It's Dr. Seuss so it is good. But at the same time, it is not such a book one will hold up as the best.
I will say, however, it may be a good book to illustrate for our classroom door in March. Something a little different. Ray McKie is the illustrator of this one.
July 1, 2018
I had never read this book before, and I didn't know that Dr. Seuss wrote under the name of Theo LeSieg; I will definitely be looking for more books under that pseudonym.
This book explores the world of teeth.
Seuss explains why teeth are so important to both humans and animals.
He shows the many ways teeth can be lost or damaged. He also has creatures, like a clam, describe in detail, why not having teeth can be a real problem.
I love the bright and zany illustrations and know I will be reading this book many more times.
This book explores the world of teeth.
Seuss explains why teeth are so important to both humans and animals.
He shows the many ways teeth can be lost or damaged. He also has creatures, like a clam, describe in detail, why not having teeth can be a real problem.
I love the bright and zany illustrations and know I will be reading this book many more times.
May 13, 2018
This book was great. I like it because it is all about the usage of teeth and how to take care of them. The pages are filled with the does and don'ts when it comes to taking care of the teeth as well as rhymes. This book supports linguistic because it teaches the children how to read many different words when it comes down to the language. It also teaches the dangers of not taking care of the teeth. I think the children would enjoy this book as they relate to their own teeth and can see how important it is to take care of their teeth.
August 15, 2017
Clever rhymes and art present good information about teeth. Easy to read with a few challenges.
November 7, 2019
Likely to raise questions. Shows variety of people and animals that have teeth, and states that we need them to eat and to talk. Clams, snail, ducks, ... they don't have teeth. How do they eat?
April 17, 2020
A wonderbful book that encourages the little ones to take care of their teeth!
September 19, 2020
This was fine. The rhymes are okay. The best part was teaching about how you have two sets of teeth.
March 1, 2021
"TEETH! They are very much in style. They must be very much worthwhile!"
June 18, 2023
Not my favorite Dr. Seuss, but the kids enjoy it.
January 29, 2024
Great little rhymes about taking care of your teeth. Perfect for primary grades. Giving to my daughter-in-law for her classroom.
June 24, 2018
I don't have much to say about this book because it was just a small read and I was just waiting to get my braces so I figured to read one of Dr. Seuss' old books that made when he was under the name Theo LeSeig. I know that fact from the TV special : In Search of Dr. Seuss. I can definitely say that Seuss' illustrations still look similar to the cartoons of Seuss that we know today but still feel like a traditional cartoonist drawing. It's a nice quick-read to introduce children to teeth via book and I recommend any orthodontist or dentist to have these in their waiting room. For the little kids.
April 25, 2019
Not once does it mention brushing one's teeth or flossing... And the art is creepy.
February 15, 2021
A nice early reader that provides dental health information. It still has the Dr. Seuss rhymes and humor, however, is not as clever and entertaining as many of the other classics.
June 15, 2018
It's great book!
Te deja con un buen sabor de boca, ayuda mucho cuando estas aprendiendo ingles,adquieres mas vocabulario, y es muy entretenido.
Te deja con un buen sabor de boca, ayuda mucho cuando estas aprendiendo ingles,adquieres mas vocabulario, y es muy entretenido.
June 10, 2018
A book about teeth written by Dr. Suess. The illustrations, however, are done by someone else and they lack his charm. Despite this, it is a fun book that teaches children the purpose of teeth and the importance of taking care of them.
November 1, 2013
The book is all about a young boy who is learning about teeth. Through out the book he is told all the different types of people and creature that have teeth. Also the boy is told the importance of them once you get your permanent teeth.
The main character is a young boy whose name is not mentioned throughout the book. He is young and does not know a lot about teeth. He learns all about them throughout the book. There are also a bunch of random not important characters. Some of them being a policeman, a zebra, a lion, a red headed uncle, and smiling Sam the crocodile.
The story does not have any specific setting. The book is all over the place for location wise and it all takes place within one day. It shows the boy who has teeth and who does not. Some of the places they go are the ocean, his house, and the woods.
I would recommend this book to anyone my age who needs a quick book review because it took me around one minute to read it. I liked it because it reminded me of all the children books I used to read when I was younger and I think it would do the same for other people. Otherwise I would recommend it to young children so they can learn the importance of teeth, Around the ages two through five.
The main character is a young boy whose name is not mentioned throughout the book. He is young and does not know a lot about teeth. He learns all about them throughout the book. There are also a bunch of random not important characters. Some of them being a policeman, a zebra, a lion, a red headed uncle, and smiling Sam the crocodile.
The story does not have any specific setting. The book is all over the place for location wise and it all takes place within one day. It shows the boy who has teeth and who does not. Some of the places they go are the ocean, his house, and the woods.
I would recommend this book to anyone my age who needs a quick book review because it took me around one minute to read it. I liked it because it reminded me of all the children books I used to read when I was younger and I think it would do the same for other people. Otherwise I would recommend it to young children so they can learn the importance of teeth, Around the ages two through five.
Read
May 8, 20151. Personal Reaction: This book made me laugh all the way through, like most Dr. Seuss books do! I loved the bright illustrations that covered each page. Beginning readers will love reading this lighthearted book because of it’s goofy tone and intriguing illustrations.
2. Purposes/use in the classroom:
-Read aloud to make a curricular connection: Teachers can use this fun book to entertain their students and to teach them about an important part of our mouth-teeth! This would be a fun book to incorporate with a lesson about different parts of our body and how we use our teeth/why teeth are important.
-Independent reading: Kindergarten-1st; Students who are beginner readers would love this book. It includes rhyming as well as pictures to go along with the text, which can help beginners identify words and show them that reading is fun. Each page contains short sentences to help beginners become familiar with reading.
-Literary elements: This book can be used to teach children theme such as the importance of keeping their teeth strong and healthy. It teaches students that other animals have teeth as well and that everyone uses teeth for different things.
2. Purposes/use in the classroom:
-Read aloud to make a curricular connection: Teachers can use this fun book to entertain their students and to teach them about an important part of our mouth-teeth! This would be a fun book to incorporate with a lesson about different parts of our body and how we use our teeth/why teeth are important.
-Independent reading: Kindergarten-1st; Students who are beginner readers would love this book. It includes rhyming as well as pictures to go along with the text, which can help beginners identify words and show them that reading is fun. Each page contains short sentences to help beginners become familiar with reading.
-Literary elements: This book can be used to teach children theme such as the importance of keeping their teeth strong and healthy. It teaches students that other animals have teeth as well and that everyone uses teeth for different things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 269 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.