The Tooth Mouse - by Susan Hood (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this charming picture book written by Susan Hood, the Tooth Mouse (who replaces the Tooth Fairy in French-speaking countries) has called a meeting to announce her retirement. "I am not as spry as I used to be ... I have decided it is time to name my successor!" she tells the surprised crowd. Sophie, an energetic and very tiny mouse, desperately wants the job. "C'est moi!" Sophie thinks. "Choose me! Choose me!" But the position of Tooth Mouse --- or La Petite Souris --- isn't just given to anyone; it must be earned by participating in a difficult and dangerous three-part contest to determine which of all the mouse applicants is the most brave, honest and wise. Will Sophie, the smallest and daintiest of the aspirants, manage to beat the odds and win the challenging competition for her dream job?

In the style of a classic fable, this gentle yet inspiring story is sure to captivate young children with the delightful idea of a small mouse making her way under the pillows of sleeping children at night instead of the Tooth Fairy. It also provides an irresistible and uplifting message that size doesn't have to determine who succeeds in life. Award-winning artist Janice Nadeau's lovely illustrations in soft, muted colors add a delicate whimsy to the tale. This book would be a fantastic read-aloud for any storytime. Sprinkled with French expressions and phrases throughout, it would make a terrific introduction to foreign languages as well.

Review Quotes

For readers who enjoy Angelina Ballerina and any young reader about to lose a tooth!--Youth Services Book Review

... a delicious combination of Parisian elegance and quirky humour ...--The Toronto Star

... a lovely example of youthful ingenuity.--School Library Journal

... this effervescent story from Hood (the Pup and Hound series) stars a dainty, ballet-loving mouse ...--Publishers Weekly

Those who've believed in the Tooth Fairy will happily make a place for the Tooth Mouse.--Booklist, Starred Review

With a nod to classic titles of years past, this provides a fresh, modern take on an itty-bitty heroine's achievement of her seemingly impossible goal.--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Susan Hood is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books for young readers. She is the recipient of an E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor Award, two Christopher Awards, the SCBWI Golden Kite Award and two Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Awards, given to "a distinguished work of nonfiction that serves as an inspiration to young people." Selected titles have been named an NCTE Poetry Notable Book, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards, Bank Street Best Books of the Year, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and winners of many state reading awards. Susan lives in Southport, Connecticut.
Janice Nadeau is a professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal school of design, where she teaches drawing and illustration. She holds a PhD (2023) and a master's degree (2018) both in research-creation from the University of Montreal and a bachelor's degree in graphic design from UQAM (2002). She has illustrated ten books and won the prestigious Governor General's Award in Illustration three times (2004, 2008, 2009). She also co-directed and directed three award-winning animated films.