Parker Publishers has released Jimmy Has a Hole in His Tooth!, a new children's picture book written by registered dental hygienist Mollie Fennimore and illustrated by dentist Richie Gunnell. Aimed at children ages 2 to 10, the book seeks to transform the routine tasks of brushing, flossing, and rinsing into an engaging adventure that encourages young readers to take responsibility for their own smiles.
The story follows seven-year-old Jimmy, who loves visiting his Grandma Ruby on weekends, where he indulges in sweets and skips brushing his teeth. One night, his toothbrush, Tommy, comes to life and warns him that a gang of "plaque attackers" has been drilling holes in his teeth. With the help of the Toothbrush Trio—Tommy the toothbrush, Flossy O'Malley the floss, and Rocky the Rinse—Jimmy learns how to fight back and protect his smile.
Unlike traditional health books that lecture young readers, Jimmy Has a Hole in His Tooth! weaves dental education into a narrative children can relate to: a grandma's house full of treats, a lazy bedtime routine, and the magical moment when household objects come to life. Each member of the Toothbrush Trio has a distinct personality—Tommy is a champion fighter, Flossy is a rodeo cowgirl, and Rocky is a martial arts master—giving kids memorable characters to think of every time they pick up a toothbrush.
The book's core message is simple and reassuring: sugar is OK, but at the end of the day, we must brush those sticky bugs away. It is a philosophy that meets children where they are, rather than shaming them for enjoying birthday cake or a cupcake at a party. "Children can become empowered to care for their own smiles," says Fennimore. "Ninety-nine percent of a healthy smile begins at home, and this book shows kids exactly how to make that happen."
Fennimore is a registered dental hygienist based in North Carolina with more than 40 years of clinical experience. Her career spans new practice startups, operations, marketing, PR, and mentoring. She has participated in community outreach programs, dental clinics, and dental missions. She was inspired to write this book after witnessing too many children undergo preventable dental treatment simply because they had never been taught how to brush and floss properly.
Gunnell, a practicing dentist, brings the Toothbrush Trio and the plaque attack gang to life with playful, hand-drawn illustrations rendered in colored pencil and ink. His artwork captures the story's humor and energy while keeping dental concepts accessible for young readers.
The book is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. With childhood dental decay remaining a common preventable issue, this book offers a practical tool for parents and educators to instill healthy habits early, potentially reducing the need for costly and invasive dental procedures later in life. By making oral care fun and relatable, Jimmy Has a Hole in His Tooth! could play a role in improving children's long-term health outcomes.
