A Child’s Book of the Teeth

Written and illustrated by Harrison Wader Ferguson, D.D.S.

Copyright 1918

Revised and enlarged edition 1932

Dr. Ferguson was obviously passionate about his profession. Not only did he write a 106-page book about teeth for young children, but delightfully illustrated it as well. His book goes into great detail about the composition of teeth, their purposes, potential problems, and the necessity for care, in words that are easily understandable for a youngster.  My guess is that, working as a dentist a hundred years ago, Dr. Ferguson met many young patients with problem teeth. I can imagine his frustration, knowing how preventable many of these problems were.

What strikes me about this book is the care the author took to explain every aspect of teeth in a language a child can understand, and in a manner that is actually fairly interesting. An adult merely commanding a child to brush their teeth, with no explanation of why, often raises some resistance, or at least half-hearted brushing. However, if that same child was given clear and logical reasons to care for their teeth, they just might be more apt to comply. 

In the same way, if a person is commanded to perform a task by a supervisor with no reason given, they are more likely to grumble and complain. Knowing a logical reason for performing a task makes it so much easier to do. Take a lesson from the talented dentist, writer, and illustrator, Dr. Ferguson, and give understanding and meaning to the tasks you give. If we can find purpose and meaning in our work, it becomes so much more joyful!

Beginning with Mrs. McBee

Written by Cecil Maiden

Drawings by Hilary Knight

Copyright 1960

Sometimes, a book written for the express purpose of teaching a lesson can be obnoxious and cloying. This one, however, is really delightful. Beginning with Mrs. McBee is all about paying it forward. In fact, a repeating line from the book is, “Doing something you can do very well, for somebody who needs it being done, not only pleases him, it pleases you.” The line was first spoken by lonely Mrs. McBee, when Mr. Broadhurst wanted to pay her for helping him with his garden. The following day, Mr. Broadhurst took the advice to heart, taking old, retired fisherman Mr. Grigsby for a joyful ride in his boat. The kind deeds continue throughout the neighborhood until Mr. Mumble, having just enjoyed a home-baked pie, was told by Ethel to just “find somebody who really needs something you can do very well – then go ahead and do it!”

The next morning, Mr. Mumble, upon seeing lonely Mrs. McBee sitting in her rocking chair, gazing longingly up the road, offers to take her for a ride. The story ends with Mr. Mumble and Mrs. McBee riding off into the hills, chatting and singing happily.

Mrs. McBee’s act of kindness caused a chain of events that eventually led full circle right back to her doorstep. That time she spent unselfishly helping her neighbor solve a problem in his garden eventually led to her own feeling of loneliness being swept away by another’s kind deed. This lovely little book, charmingly illustrated by the artist best known for illustrating the Eloise picture books, is truly a gem!

Beady Bear

By Don Freeman

Copyright 1954

Beady Bear is the story of a wind-up stuffed toy who belongs to a boy who loves him very much. One day, his boy leaves on a trip with his family and doesn’t say when he’ll return. Beady Bear occupies his time by reading an alphabet book. Reading leads him to the discovery that “B is for Bear – An animal brave who lives in a cave.” This is news to Beady! But if bears are supposed to live in caves, that is what Beady will have to do.

He found a cave, but it was very uncomfortable for sleeping, as the sharp stones dug into his back. The next day he brought a pillow, but somehow it still didn’t seem right. Days and nights went by, and Beady never seemed to settle in. Fortunately, his boy returned and discovered Beady in the cave. They realized just how much they need each other, and Beady returned home once again.

If only Beady had followed his heart and his instincts from the beginning. If only he knew not to be concerned about what someone said he was supposed to do, he would have saved a lot of discomfort and trouble. What do other bears do? That shouldn’t matter. What matters is what is right for Beady. I think he learned his lesson!