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Andrew's Loose Tooth
Andrew's tooth is killing him, but it just won't fall out. So what do they do? Call the Tooth Fairy, of course! Andrew bites into an apple and his loose tooth hurts. So his dad tries to take it out with a big pair of pliers, but no luck. So they call the dentist, who tries to pull it out with his car, but no luck. So Andrew’s friend Louis calls the Tooth Fairy. She comes on her motorcycle and tries to pull out the tooth, but no luck. So it’s up to Louis —he uses pepper to make Andrew sneeze the tooth all the way across town.
32 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1998
12 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Robert Munsch
289 books1,678 followersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
February 11, 2018
Andrew has a loose tooth and it is proving to be quite the issue. Apples are not helping and his parents seem incapable of getting the tooth out of his little head. Even a call to the local dentist proves less helpful than it might have been and the tooth remains in his gum, dangling at an odd angle. Calling in the heavyweights, Andrew's friend brings the Tooth Fairy in to try a few things, but she ends up as stumped as the others. There is only one idea left and it's an 'all or nothing' gamble. By the end, Andrew has no choice but to cross his fingers and hope for the best. Neo awaits the loss of his first tooth, but I think this story is funny enough that he'll love the experience, rather than gasp in horror at the thought of a tooth popping out and the pain associated.
May 18, 2018
Robert Munsch is fantastic. I can’t believe I didn’t read him as a child. I would have loved this book as a child. The action and characters jump off the page and run around the room and play with you while reading this book. Oh, that dentist. Wow, that was great. The Tooth Fairy makes an appearance in this book and she is something else - a bike riding leather clad momma. I love this story to pieces. It is amazing.
The kids loved this book also. We had to read it twice in a row and they got into it and were laughing. They said I would be the tooth fairy. This book is wonderful. It is light and hums along at a funny pace. There is plenty of action.
I must read more of this Robert Munsch. What a gem. No cavities here.
The kids loved this book also. We had to read it twice in a row and they got into it and were laughing. They said I would be the tooth fairy. This book is wonderful. It is light and hums along at a funny pace. There is plenty of action.
I must read more of this Robert Munsch. What a gem. No cavities here.
March 13, 2019
I have a feeling this one is based on personal experience.
This is a pretty entertaining book in the classic Munsch tradition. Andrew's loose tooth just won't come out, no matter what anyone does. And he can't have breakfast until it's out... so he's got a bit of a problem. His mother, his father, the dentist (who reminds me of one of my high-school English teachers), and the Tooth Fairy all fail to get that tooth out. But Andrew's best friend, Louis, has an idea that sends that tooth sailing right out of his mouth. (Actually, "sailing" isn't quite the right word. The tooth ended up being more like a bullet, perforating its way through town.)
This would be a great book for kids who are still at the age when they're losing their teeth... and for the parents who have to put up with the whining.
Quotable moment:
This is a pretty entertaining book in the classic Munsch tradition. Andrew's loose tooth just won't come out, no matter what anyone does. And he can't have breakfast until it's out... so he's got a bit of a problem. His mother, his father, the dentist (who reminds me of one of my high-school English teachers), and the Tooth Fairy all fail to get that tooth out. But Andrew's best friend, Louis, has an idea that sends that tooth sailing right out of his mouth. (Actually, "sailing" isn't quite the right word. The tooth ended up being more like a bullet, perforating its way through town.)
This would be a great book for kids who are still at the age when they're losing their teeth... and for the parents who have to put up with the whining.
Quotable moment:
Andrew said, "I know what you're going to do! I know what you're going to do! You're going to tie the end of the rope to a door and then you're going to slam the door!"
"NO!" said the dentist. "I'm going to tie it to my car."
January 10, 2026
Andrew’s Loose Tooth is Munsch at his most delightfully unrestrained. The entire story is built around one tiny problem, a loose tooth, and he stretches it into a full‑scale comedy routine with escalating attempts to solve it. The humor is broad, the pacing is quick, and the absurdity ramps up in a way that keeps the read‑aloud energy high.
It’s one of those books that’s fun to perform. The dialogue is exaggerated, the reactions are big, and the whole thing moves fast enough that it never drags. It doesn’t aim for emotional depth; it’s simply a chaotic, silly ride built around a universal childhood milestone. The illustrations match the tone perfectly, leaning into the ridiculousness without overwhelming the page.
Overall, the story is loud, goofy, and consistently entertaining, especially if you enjoy leaning into the theatrics of a read‑aloud.
It’s one of those books that’s fun to perform. The dialogue is exaggerated, the reactions are big, and the whole thing moves fast enough that it never drags. It doesn’t aim for emotional depth; it’s simply a chaotic, silly ride built around a universal childhood milestone. The illustrations match the tone perfectly, leaning into the ridiculousness without overwhelming the page.
Overall, the story is loud, goofy, and consistently entertaining, especially if you enjoy leaning into the theatrics of a read‑aloud.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2015
Andrews loose tooth is about having a loose tooth and the strongest tooth couldn't come out it was loose and also the friend put pepper in their nose and his shoes fell off and
SPOILER
he sneezed the tooth right out.
My favourite character was the tooth fairy because she's the nicest guardian, well Santa is too but I think the tooth fairy is better cause she gives us money instead of presents. Money is better than toys, money is the best. Money is the best because you can use it on anything like for a movie theatre that would be awesome or you could use it to buy food at the grocery store. And you could use it for anything.
I liked the story, it was ok because I thought it was just an ok story. I like it. Because the tooth fairy is in it and she gives us money which is better than toys because you can buy it for anything as I said.
I would recommend this book absolutely.
SPOILER
he sneezed the tooth right out.
My favourite character was the tooth fairy because she's the nicest guardian, well Santa is too but I think the tooth fairy is better cause she gives us money instead of presents. Money is better than toys, money is the best. Money is the best because you can use it on anything like for a movie theatre that would be awesome or you could use it to buy food at the grocery store. And you could use it for anything.
I liked the story, it was ok because I thought it was just an ok story. I like it. Because the tooth fairy is in it and she gives us money which is better than toys because you can buy it for anything as I said.
I would recommend this book absolutely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2017
Timing, it's all about timing. My listener lost her second tooth tonight and I could relate all too well to Munsch's refrain, "Oooh, ooh, ooh, it's a loose tooth, I know what to do!"
Still not big on intros - maybe half a sentence? But, it's all worth it for the tooth fairy feeling insulted for being accused of following the dentist's tactics. Oh, shoot - is that a spoiler?
Still not big on intros - maybe half a sentence? But, it's all worth it for the tooth fairy feeling insulted for being accused of following the dentist's tactics. Oh, shoot - is that a spoiler?
January 14, 2025
Clever ending 🦷
October 13, 2009
Andrew has a loose tooth. And it hurts. It hurts so much, he can't eat an apple. And all the grown-ups try absurdly improbable things to get the tooth out - pliers, pulling using his nose as leverage, tying the tooth to the car and driving away... I'll stop for a second and say I don't see how any child could be scared of that scene. The car FALLS APART instead of the tooth coming out! It's clearly not intended to be a realistic scenario.
Eventually, Andrew's friend calls in the tooth fairy. This is no pampered twinkletoes in a frilly dress. No, this is a fully-grown rocking biker chick with a leather jacket. Dude. How awesome is that??? But even with HER tools she can't get that tooth out. Luckily, Andrew's friend saves the day again - with pepper! Andrew sneezes that tooth all the way across town, giving us a great view of the tooth fairy catching it in a net at high speed.
I adore this book. I especially like the diversity of the cast - Andrew has an interracial family, and the people in the background when the tooth fairy catches the tooth come from a variety of ethnic groups. Unless your child is especially sensitive, I can't imagine they wouldn't like this book!
Eventually, Andrew's friend calls in the tooth fairy. This is no pampered twinkletoes in a frilly dress. No, this is a fully-grown rocking biker chick with a leather jacket. Dude. How awesome is that??? But even with HER tools she can't get that tooth out. Luckily, Andrew's friend saves the day again - with pepper! Andrew sneezes that tooth all the way across town, giving us a great view of the tooth fairy catching it in a net at high speed.
I adore this book. I especially like the diversity of the cast - Andrew has an interracial family, and the people in the background when the tooth fairy catches the tooth come from a variety of ethnic groups. Unless your child is especially sensitive, I can't imagine they wouldn't like this book!
December 9, 2014
Andrew loose tooth By Robert Munsch
Andrew had a loose tooth and he could not eat his apple. His mom tried to pull the tooth, nothing happen. His dad took pliers to take the tooth out that did not work. They called the dentist, the dentist took a rope and tied the rope around Andrew’s tooth and the other end to his car his car, but that did not work. Andrew friends called the tooth fairy. She tried but nothing happen, that tooth just did not want to come out until Andrew’s friend got a brilliant idea.
I will use this book in the classroom to each about dental Hygiene. Leaning new dental vocabulary and asking and answering questions. How to brush ones teeth and why? How teeth have changed over the centuries.
Students will then write a story of how they lost their first tooth.
didn't like this book, it escalated to quickly
Munsch, R., & Martchenko, M. (1998). Andrew’s loose Tooth. Canada: Scholastic.
Andrew had a loose tooth and he could not eat his apple. His mom tried to pull the tooth, nothing happen. His dad took pliers to take the tooth out that did not work. They called the dentist, the dentist took a rope and tied the rope around Andrew’s tooth and the other end to his car his car, but that did not work. Andrew friends called the tooth fairy. She tried but nothing happen, that tooth just did not want to come out until Andrew’s friend got a brilliant idea.
I will use this book in the classroom to each about dental Hygiene. Leaning new dental vocabulary and asking and answering questions. How to brush ones teeth and why? How teeth have changed over the centuries.
Students will then write a story of how they lost their first tooth.
didn't like this book, it escalated to quickly
Munsch, R., & Martchenko, M. (1998). Andrew’s loose Tooth. Canada: Scholastic.
April 8, 2014
Cute and hilarious book about a young boy named Andrew that is on a mission to get rid of his loose tooth. He first tries eating an apple, then he tries tying a rope to door and then even tries going to the dentist but his tooth won't budge. When all else fails he calls for the expert on teeth to help but still can't get rid of his loose tooth but he is still determined to rid himself of that loose tooth. I would read this to my class probably as a fun and informative text to inform them about loosing teeth and teeth health. I could use this book to assess the students listening and sequencing skills. There are many sequenced events in this book that can come in handy as an example, when teach students how to properly sequence events and ideas in their own writings and stories.
February 16, 2011
Andrew's Loose Tooth by Robert N. Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, is another exaggerated, absurd, hilarious look at a common problem, a loose tooth that won't come out. After his mother, his father, a dentist, and a biker tooth fairy can't pull out the tooth, Andrew's friend comes up with a simple answer.
The story is greatly enhanced by Martchenko's wild, colorful illustrations with lots of details. I love the tooth fairy, who has a need for speed.
For ages 4 to 7, independent readers, teeth and humor themes, and fans of Robert N. Munsch and Michael Martchenko.
The story is greatly enhanced by Martchenko's wild, colorful illustrations with lots of details. I love the tooth fairy, who has a need for speed.
For ages 4 to 7, independent readers, teeth and humor themes, and fans of Robert N. Munsch and Michael Martchenko.
April 20, 2012
In this fun, silly story a boy tries many different methods to get his loose tooth out. His parents try to help him, with no success. It could be a good book for first and second-grade students, as this is the time when many of them begin losing their teeth. Many students will probably be able to relate to this and may have even tried some of these methods for pulling their teeth out. You could use this to facilitate a discussion among the class about various ways students have tried or thought about trying to remove their teeth.
May 29, 2013
You don’t even have to read a word, just look at the illustrations and you’ll be chuckling. Add the story and your audience will be rolling with laughter. Andrew’s loose tooth prevents him from eating and as each person tries to pull the loose tooth they each take more extreme and desperate measures. A humorous story to reassure children losing a tooth that it will happen in the most simplest of ways. Great illustrations and attractive to a grade K-2 audience. Just be mindful of the off the wall look at the role of the tooth fairy
September 18, 2013
Andrew’s Loose Tooth by Robert Munsch is about a boy who has a loose tooth and is trying to pull it out with the help of his parents, dentist, and the tooth fairy. This comical book will have students captivated as they wonder if Andrew will ever lose his tooth. This story is relatable to students who are starting to lose teeth, and children will laugh at the exaggerated story line and humorous illustrations (by Michael Martchenko). This book is recommended for students in kindergarten to second grade (Scholastic).
February 12, 2008
Reading a Robert Munsch book is like eating a candy bar. It's fun, sweet, but it doesn't really fill you up, and within a few hours, you've forgotten you even had it.
This particular book relies even more on the outrageous than many of his others (the Tooth Fairy wears leather and rides a Harley).
Not bad for a little bit of fun, and the reading is simple enough for young readers.
Michael Martchenko's illustrations play an important role in the enjoyable-ness of this book.
This particular book relies even more on the outrageous than many of his others (the Tooth Fairy wears leather and rides a Harley).
Not bad for a little bit of fun, and the reading is simple enough for young readers.
Michael Martchenko's illustrations play an important role in the enjoyable-ness of this book.
April 25, 2011
This book is hysterical! The little boy's tooth just wont come out even though its just dangling in his mouth. When all the home remedies fail, they call in the big stops to get the tooth to come out...but with unforeseen problems that follow. This book is super easy for kids to relate to because they all have lost teeth, or are in the process of losing teeth. The kids love it, and so do i.
-might be a good book for prediction
-might be a good book for prediction
February 3, 2013
I love the tooth fairy in this, gets the best laugh ever. Like the other books I've read by this pair I love the illustrations and have paused for many minutes with kids just wanting to look at all the things going on in the pictures. Even on the last page I would often get kids who didn't want me to close the book because they wanted to keep looking at the picture to talk and laugh about it. I love reading this one out loud so I don't mind reading it fifty billion times.
August 28, 2013
I thought this was a cute book, especially to be read to a child who is in preschool or kindergarten. Many children develop a fear of doctors and dentists, and I am not quite sure that this helps with that fear; however, it does shed a humorous light of such people. I'm not sure that a teacher should read this to any classroom over 2nd or 3rd grade. Some parents may not support the idea of a tooth fairy past younger ages. Other than that, I thought this book was a cute and fun story.
November 19, 2015
I love the author of this book, Robert Munsch. Andrew’s loose tooth and a comical read. The book tells the story of a boy named Andrew loosing a tooth. Andrew, a dentist, the tooth fairy, and his parents try everything to get the loose tooth to fall out when Andrews buddy comes along and sneezes the tooth out of the boy. I would read this book to K-3 students as they go through that period of loosing teeth as well.
September 12, 2017
I love this story! Robert Munsch does such a wonderful job of telling a playful story about something that happens to every child; the process of loosing a tooth. Some children have pleasant experiences of loosing teeth while others can relate more to Andrew's story of going to crazy lengths to get a pesky tooth out so he is able to eat his breakfast. This story is lighthearted and would be effective for a classroom with students who are going through this exciting part of growing up.
November 23, 2010
Andrew has a very loose tooth but no body seems to get it out. There are many people and ideas involved in this story including the tooth fairy but in the end it is a simple thing like pepper that helps Andrew.
Students and teachers can share stories about how they lost teeth before. Students can come up with a new version of a story about how they got out a stubborn tooth.
Students and teachers can share stories about how they lost teeth before. Students can come up with a new version of a story about how they got out a stubborn tooth.
February 3, 2015
Andrew has a loose tooth. He doesn't think it should affect his breakfast but when he bites into his apple it hurts so bad that he yells for his mom. His mom tries to get his tooth out but it doesn't budge. Then his dad. Then the dentist. Then the tooth fairy! No one can get his loose tooth out until his friend Louis gets an idea!
March 19, 2009
This book is so funny! Andrew had a hard time getting his tooth out. Even his parents and the tooth fairy could not get the tooth out. Andrew's friend helped him get his tooth out by putting pepper in his nose. Andrew sneezed so hard the tooth came out and flew across town.
April 20, 2012
This is a funny and dramatic story about a boy who has a loose tooth. Parents try different ways of getting the tooth to come out and neither works. Finally he gets it out in the least expected manner.
Could use for 1st grade due to constant loosing of teeth.
Could use for 1st grade due to constant loosing of teeth.
March 8, 2012
Very funny book! Andrew has a loose tooth that just will not come out. His parents, the dentist and even the tooth fairy try to help him but nothing works. What is Andrew going to do to get rid of his loose tooth?
February 20, 2015
This is a funny book that shows that it is okay that you have loose teeth. This shows the different funny ways that some one can pull a tooth besides going to the dentist. This book can show the kids that while its funny your tooth can fall out all by its self.
September 17, 2008
Over the top in a good way and that tooth fairy is pretty bad---.
October 28, 2008
It's amazing, but the dentist in this kinda looks the the pediatric dentist I had as a kid!
October 19, 2009
Read this one. All I can say is, the tooth fairy shows up as a biker babe. Who doesn't love that!
December 3, 2009
this book is about a kid that has a loose tooth and nobody can get it out he trys evrything but nothing turns out right but at the end the tooth gets out by the simplest way!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews