This story is actually about just plain bravery, December 10, 2002
 

This book teaches more than just being scared to lose a tooth. I think the main theme of this story is bravery. Arthur brags that he is "Captain Fearless," but both sibings (even Arthur) have a fear of something-Arthur is scared to lose his first tooth-and Violet is scared of the dark. But when the treat for dessert is taffy apples, Arthur doesn't want them because of his loose tooth (and his fear to pull it out), so Violet decides to make s'mores but has to go out in the dark to get sticks to make them-and faces her fear, so Arthur decides to face his fear-and chooses to be the "Captain Fearless" he calls himself so pulls out his tooth and then he IS able to eat the taffy apples as well as the s'mores. In other words, this is a great story to teach about any kind of bravery!

The other Arthur experienced the other tooth-losing feeling, July 21, 2001

The lesser known Arthur character, created by Lillian Hoban. Many people may know Marc Brown's story, "Arthur's Tooth" about Arthur the aardvark, but they may not necessarily realize that each Arthur has a different message. One is about being desperate to lose a tooth, the other about being scared to lose a tooth. I actually prefer Lillian Hoban's Arthur the monkey over Marc Brown's Arthur the aardvark, so I purchased this book as well as other Arthur the monkey titles. This one reminded me of when I was scared to lose my first tooth. Plus this one teaches how to make taffy apples and s'mores, and tells how the s'more got its name on page 62. If you wish, buy the Marc Brown book listed above, then buy this book and compare the two feelings of each Arthur character. However, if you are particularly interested in this title, beware of trying to obtain a book club edition through a school book club which has this title listed, as you may accidentally get sent the Marc Brown title.