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  • Sea Smiles
  • Sea Smiles
  • Sea Smiles
  • Sea Smiles
  • Sea Smiles

Sea Smiles

Written & Illustrated by Bonnie Kelso

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When a child unexpectedly loses a tooth, she encounters and is comforted by a group of ocean creatures with weird and wonderful teeth of their own. A humorous story for kids who’ve lost a tooth, are about to, or just love learning cool and fascinating facts about animals with weird teeth in the sea! 

As the first book in a series by Gnome Road author-illustrator Bonnie Kelso featuring typical childhood milestones, Sea Smiles is packed with fact-filled fun and reminds young readers of the importance of caring for one's teeth. Don't miss the second book, Sleepy Sea, an exploration of bedtime routines set to release in 2025, and the third, Sea Suds, in 2026!

Download Press Release

February 20, 2024

Key Concepts

Human body (teeth, dental hygiene, human development), loss of a tooth, ocean animals/marine life, biological diversity, humor.

Additional Details

  • 10 x 10
  • 32 pages
  • Ages 4 to 8
  • Trade ISBN 978-1-957655-20-8
  • eBook ISBN. 978-1-957655-21-5

    • Reader Reviews

    • ★★★★★

      “Sea Smiles is the perfect distraction from tooth troubles—and fascinating for any reader interested in marine animals or tooth biology. ”


      - The Children's Book Council (Mar. 2024)

    • ★★★★★

      “It's an especially and unreservedly recommended addition (to) family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school health/medicine picture book collections -- and dental office waiting rooms!”


      - Midwest Book Review (Mar. 2024)

    • ★★★★★

      “It’s a curious amalgam—sea creatures, charming leading lady, pure nonfiction—presented in a kid-friendly format without being overwhelming. This will bring some of the elements of graphic novels into the hands of emerging readers, in a lighthearted way that is also a valuable path to learning more.”


      Ginnie Abbot, School Library Journal (Online, Oct. 2024)

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