Laura Simms

I honestly thought this book was a little gross, but that's because I hate teeth. Everybody's got something. ANYWAY. I didn't like the way the teacher handled the situation, but I definitely agreed with the way the father resolved the situation at the end of the book by explaining Melissa should have asked him before taking the teeth, but also explaining how show and tell can be a wonderful and interesting way to interact with her class.

Rotten Teeth was a priceless story told about a young girl building up the courage to do show and tell in her class. When it doesn't go according to plan Melissa Herman gets discouraged but comes back again to become the best "show and teller" in the class. I really liked this book because little Melissa does what her brother says and gets in trouble for it. I can't tell you how many times I followed my brother or sister's advice and ended up having negative consequences. I love how Simms show more shows that she is not the bravest child and for someone like her standing up in front of class is one of the scariest things ever. I don't know if anyone gets over the fear of public speaking entirely. It takes a lot of humility to represent yourself aloud in front of your peers. This book does a great job of capturing how it feels to overcome this fear. I also really loved how the relationships between Melissa and her father and brother were portrayed. show less

This folktale of the Modoc was first recorded in writing in about 1900. It tells of young Nulwee, who along with his grandmother, is the last of his people. Kokolimalaya "The Bone Man" had drunk the river dry and devoured everyone else in their tribe. Nulwee's ancestors had predicted that Nulwee would one day bring back his people. In this David and Goliath story, Nulwee defeats the awful Bone Man, throws his heart into the sky, and in this way, brings water and life back to the world. The show more illustrations by McCurdy are extremely scary, but perfectly match the story. Children should love this folktale. show less

Speaking in front of the class isn't easy for small people like Melissa Herman. Especially when there's nothing very special to say about her house or her family or herself. But with the help of her older brother, Melissa borrows a bottle from her father's dental office to take to show and tell. The teacher is appalled, but the children are intrigued. David Catrow's hilariously zany illustrations reveal that there is nothing ordinary about Melissa Herman, or her house or her family. The show more bright artwork is laugh-aloud funny and will have children begging to hear the story again, or maybe invent their very own tale. show less