Today's book review is The Dolphin Dentist: No Sharks Allowed by Cheryl DaVeiga and illustrated by Luis Peres. Besides my review, Cheryl DaVeiga also provided a heartwarming guest post "The Story Behind The Dolphin Dentist". Find my review of this fin-tastic adventure, Cheryl's guest post, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!
This virtual book tour is sponsored by iRead Book Tours.
The Story Behind "The Dolphin Dentist"
By Cheryl DaVeiga
About 7 years ago, I met the love of my life, a gentle, wonderful man, whose passion was the practice of dentistry. I admit I found it hard to understand how he could love it. To me, the thought of working inside people’s mouths each day could hardly be enjoyable. Yet, Tom spent his evenings watching webinars, constantly improving his knowledge and skills. He called every patient personally after difficult procedures, and he lived for the practice he created. During COVID, he put his health at risk to treat people in need.
Sadly, he was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, and even during his grueling treatment, he continued to see his patients. He was in short, the kindest man I’d ever known.
Tom and I had a shared love…dolphins. I knew it was a sign when I first met him and found out he had paintings of dolphins above his bed. We had dolphin Christmas ornaments and dolphin sculptures. He gave me a heart necklace shaped by two dolphins, which I treasure. When it became clear he was not going to make it, he told me he would send me dolphins from the other side.
Even though I saw it every day, I was still in shock at his funeral, when patients lined up for hours and told me how kind he was, how they had been patients for 30+ years…one after another…telling me what he meant to them and their families. It was truly above and beyond the normal condolences.
Inspired by everything he stood for, I created The Dolphin Dentist, about a kind dentist whose dedication to his patients made him overcome his greatest fear. This book is close to my heart, and a tribute to that wonderful man. My only regret is that I had such a short time with him.
Thank you Cheryl for sharing this heartwarming story with us. This is a wonderful way to commemorate and remember your loved one. I'm sure many children all over will love this book and be a little less scared to go to the dentist. Which, I think, Tom would love, too!
My Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Dolphin Dentist: No Sharks Allowed" by Cheryl DaVeiga, with delightful illustrations by Luis Peres, is a heartwarming tale that dives deep into the world of unlikely friendships, overcoming fears, and the importance of compassion. The whimsical illustrations add an extra layer of charm to the story, making it a delightful read for both children and parents.
Illustrations That Capture Character Personalities: Luis Peres deserves applause for his enchanting illustrations that bring the characters to life with their vibrant expressions and endearing personalities. Each page is a visual treat, filled with cute and expressive depictions of Fearless Flossy, the mighty great white shark, and Dr. Dribble, the big-hearted dolphin dentist. The illustrations not only enhance the storytelling but also make the characters relatable and lovable.
A Tale of Courage and Compassion: The central theme of the story revolves around Fearless Flossy, a great white shark with a secret fear of the dentist, and Dr. Dribble, a compassionate dolphin dentist with a "No Sharks Allowed" policy. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when Fearless Flossy decides to visit Dr. Dribble's office unannounced, setting the stage for an underwater adventure filled with courage, compassion, and the triumph of friendship over fear.
Overcoming Fears to Help Others: The storyline beautifully unfolds as Fearless Flossy and Dr. Dribble confront their fears, highlighting the importance of facing challenges head-on. The author skillfully weaves in the message that true friendship knows no boundaries, emphasizing the significance of helping others, regardless of their differences or fears. The positive and uplifting themes make this book a valuable resource for parents looking to instill important values in their children.
A "Fin-tastic" Adventure: The underwater world created by DaVeiga and Peres is a delightful playground for readers to explore. The author's engaging narrative, coupled with Peres' charming illustrations, creates a perfect synergy that keeps young readers immersed in the story. The blend of humor, adventure, and life lessons makes "The Dolphin Dentist" a "fin-tastic" adventure that will leave readers with smiles as big as Biff Bam Booza.
"The Dolphin Dentist: No Sharks Allowed" is a delightful addition to children's literature, offering a captivating story that goes beyond entertainment. Cheryl DaVeiga's storytelling and Luis Peres' illustrations collaborate seamlessly to deliver a meaningful narrative filled with courage, compassion, and the triumph of friendship. This book is not only a joy for young readers but also a valuable resource for parents seeking stories that inspire and teach important life lessons. Dive into this enchanting underwater adventure and emerge with a big Biff Bam Booza smile. Don't forget to brush and floss!