Show Me Your Smile: 06/29/08

Another of Harriet's Dora books is Show Me Your Smile! A Visit to the Dentist. It breaks with the usual Dora format but Harriet and Sean both seem to like it but I find it a bit of a chore to read. How many times in a row can one read with enthusiasm about Dora's trip to the dentist where she has a cavity filled?

The early episodes and books of Dora were very formulaic. Dora and Boots had to go from point A to point B an had to follow the route plotted for them by the Map. Along the way they'd pass two or three check points and have a couple of obstacles to navigate through. Near the end of the series run, Dora became such a superstar that her stories started to focus more on her and less on her exploring. Show Me Your Smile! falls into this latter category.

Ignoring the fact that a trip to the dentist has nothing to do with exploring, especially when Dora's parents obviously brought her there, the book does teach young children what their first trip to the dentist might be like. I just don't think that Dora is the character to do this. But don't tell my kids, because they still like the book and I'll probably be reading it to them for months to come.

Comments (6)

Comment #1: Monday, June, 30, 2008 at 14:10:08

Petula

Oh, I'm going to have to get this book. My 1 year old is due for her first visit and the other two younguns may have forgotten what it's like. Thanks!"

Comment #2: Monday, June, 30, 2008 at 20:13:11

pussreboots

It would be the perfect book for your one year old."

Comment #3: Monday, June, 30, 2008 at 14:38:42

Michelle

My daughter loves the Dora books. But I have to agree with you they start driving me crazy after reading it over and over again. Thanks for stopping by my blog and the great advice regarding my tail bone. Sounds like you have the same problem. Ouch!! Hope you get better soon."

Comment #4: Monday, June, 30, 2008 at 20:17:10

pussreboots

I figure a few months of reading the same Dora books will pay off with a lifetime love of books. I just need to be patient. :)

Re the tailbone... in my case, it's a 20-year-old injury. When I was pregnant with my daughter she had her head pressed up against my tail bone and irritated the old injury. It took me about six months after she was born to get over the pain."

Comment #5: Tuesday, July, 1, 2008 at 21:47:27

Jeane

I can't believe I'm saying this but I might actually look for this book. My daughter just had her first dentist visit (she's three) and was crazy about Dora, too. She might really enjoy this book. "

Comment #6: Tuesday, July, 1, 2008 at 20:14:30

pussreboots

She probably will. My daughter and son certainly did, even if I didn't."