FICTION

Sea Smiles

by Bonnie Kelso (text) & illus. by Bonnie Kelso
Gnome Road. Feb. 2024. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781957655208.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-3–A snaggle-toothed girl greets readers and carries on conversations in speech bubbles with a cadre of toothy friends (penguin, narwhal, sea krait, crabeater seal, wolffish), while facts about teeth carry the more conventional narrative: “Humans are diphyodont (dy-FY-uh-dant), meaning that they develop two sets of teeth. They have 20 baby teeth, then later, 32 permanent teeth.” The sea creatures chime in on tooth-counting, fun facts, and the exploration of one another’s dental realities. It’s a curious amalgam—sea creatures, charming leading lady, pure nonfiction—presented in a kid-friendly format without being overwhelming. This will bring some of the elements of graphic novels into the hands of emerging readers, in a lighthearted way that is also a valuable path to learning more.
VERDICT This shouldn’t work—but it does, and is a unique addition for libraries to consider.
Reviewed by Ginnie Abbott , Oct 18, 2024

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?