Alan's Big, Scary Teeth

Written & illustrated by Jarvis

An alligator loses his false teeth. Can he find a new way to fit in?

4.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,540 ratings

32 pages· 545 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Alan the alligator, known for scaring jungle critters with his big, scary teeth, wakes up to find his false teeth missing. Without them, his fearsome reputation crumbles. Can Alan discover a new way to belong in the jungle, or will he remain toothless and timid? Join Alan on a playful journey of self-discovery and unexpected friendships, where he learns that there's more to him than just his teeth. Will he find a new talent or remain the jungle's gentle giant?

From the publisher

A goofy and lonely denizen of the jungle has just one talent — scaring other creatures with his big, scary teeth! What would he do without them? Deep in the jungle lurks Alan the alligator, descended from a long line of very scary alligators. He prepares carefully — polishing his scales, brushing each of his big, scary teeth, and practicing his frightening faces — then sneaks into the jungle to terrorize the jungle critters. (“I’m big, scary Alan! Fear my razor-sharp teeth!”) But after a long day of scaring, Alan likes nothing better than to enjoy the crossword, run a warm mud bath, and take out his teeth, which nobody else knows are false. Until one morning, when Alan wakes up and finds that his teeth are gone! Without those teeth, he’s just not very scary, and scaring is the only thing he knows how to do. Or is it? Witty, charming, and playful storytelling will have preschoolers cheering for Alan as he discovers a new way to fit in.

Awards

Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2017)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 545
Reading age: 2–5
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD690L

Themes & topics

Books about alligators and crocodiles Books about self-discovery Books about teeth Books about bullying Books about social themes

What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.9

out of 7

4.5

“Jarvis' signature illustration style tells this humorous tale about a bullying alligator coping with a hidden insecurity. The forgiveness and ingenuity of those he had formerly terrified lends Alan a new life using some talents far better than scaring and shows one way to cope with bullies—with compassion.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

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