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

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