The Story of the Tooth Fairy

Paxton (Going to the Zoo, reviewed above) explores the origins of the tooth fairy myth in this fetching picture book. Fairies have fallen out of favor with mortals, but the strain in relations is repaired when Glynnis, a fairy child, befriends Emily, a young mortal, and the two exchange tokens of their affection. Not just any token will do, however-according to the Fairy Queen, it must be something ""only a mortal could give."" It's not hard to guess what that turns out to be-a tooth, of course, and Glynnis sets a precedent and creates a name for herself in the fairy world by offering a coin in return. Sauber's plush, prettily bordered illustrations, aglow with velvety colors and old-fashioned storybook charm, serve as a fitting backdrop for this unabashedly romanticized tale. Pure fluff-and pure fun. Ages 5-up. (Apr.)