The Crocodile and the Dentist

by Taro Gomi

A crocodile with a painful tooth and his human dentist both approach an appointment... read more

A crocodile with a painful tooth and his human dentist both approach an appointment with dread: “I really don’t want to, but I have to.” Their mirrored perspectives continue throughout the encounter (“I’m scared … But I should be brave.”) even to the shared “Ouch!” as the dentist prods the sensitive tooth and the crocodile reflexively bites down on his hand. Although both parties reflect it was “an awful thing to do!” they also privately agree “there’s no use getting angry.” As the patient departs the office, both state fervently that they don’t want to see the other again, so tooth brushing is a must. Their twinned perspectives on each statement offer a humorous chance to explore differing takes on the same series of events. (Ages 3–6)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2019

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