Albert's Impossible Toothache

by Cushman Doug Williams Barbara, Doug Cushman (Illustrator)

Parents and children alike will see themselves in this endearing tale of a small turtle’s struggle to be believed and understood - lovingly reintroduced for a new generation of readers.When little Albert Turtle complains that he has a toothache, his father assures him that that’s impossible and points to his own toothless mouth. But Albert won’t get out of bed, and Mother Turtle begins to worry. Will Albert’s toothache ever go away? Even more important, will anyone ever believe him? First published thirty years ago, Barbara Williams’s familiar tale of miscommunication - and a wise grandmother who gets it right - is wonderfully animated by Doug Cushman’s colorful, humorously detailed illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1974

Reviews

[Heather Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Albert's Impossible ToothacheBarbara Williams this book was really funny, didn't go in the way I thought but a good ending

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic I recently found in my parents closet. No one believes Albert has a toothache because turtles don't have teeth. I remember that feeling of not being believed. That feeling of something meaningful to me being disregarded just because I was little. But Albert truly does have an ache, even if he can't communicate it all by himself.

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

The late American philosopher Gareth B. Matthews reviewed this book in the "Thinking in Stories" column he produced for the Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children at Montclair State University (see https://www.montclair.edu/iapc/review...).

[Jenna Hanoian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the illustrations were so cute and i like the underlying message that sometimes kids just need to be heard.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a copy of this book that we would read when I was little. My copy is actually called "Albert's Toothache". My daughter and I read it together tonight and she liked it so much she insisted we read it a second time. I had forgotten about it. The pictures are charming and the story is one every child can relate to. Everyone in Arthur's family is sure he is lying about his "toothache" and he just keeps saying that no one every believes him. In the end, it is all one big communication mix-up. It is the perfect chance to subtly talk to your child about the importance of communication between parents and children and the importance of honesty. This is a classic well worth your time to read.

[Leigh Gatta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Albert who complains to everyone in his family that he has a bad tooth ache. No one in his family believes him and no one takes the time to really understand this tooth ache. Albert's grandma comes to visit and tells the family that no one believes him and that is a big problem. She goes into his room and asks him whats wrong and the tooth ache ends up being his toe that he hurt.

[Kelsi Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert has a toothache but his mother tells him it's impossible because turtles don't have teeth. If turtles don't have teeth then what is wrong with Albert? Or, do turtles really have teeth??? There's so many questions that this book raises, and you'll have to read to find out! I give it a 5 out of 5!

[Elisa Pereyra-Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stars Albert a turtle. He is a young turtle and does not know the difference between teeth and toes and find communicating with worrisome mother IMPOSSIBLE. His grandmother who is wise is able to nurse Albert back to health.

[Nojood Alsudairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter told me that Albert must have had headache but he did not know it.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

teeth, turtles, family, honesty

Albert thinks he has a toothache, when really his toe hurts because a gopher bit it. He had an ache that someone else's teeth caused.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice story, lots of good connections here about asking the right questions and not jumping to conclusions.

[Rida · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really funny!

[Christine Puente · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite children's book simply because of the moral: listen to children. Sweet story, and the kids like that the adults are the ones who look silly in the end.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prediction would be a great standard to use for read alouds. Interpretation comes in a variety of ways which will be learned by readers of this book.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Hahahaha... still giggling over the ending.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original version "Albert's Toothache" is better.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so cute! Poor Albert--no one believes him. Thank goodness for his grandmother.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming story. I can see why children like it. I will read it to my students this coming year.