Parker Publishers has released Jimmy Has a Hole in His Tooth!, a 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 transforms brushing, flossing, and rinsing into an action-packed adventure designed to empower young readers to take charge of their smiles.
In the story, seven-year-old Jimmy loves visiting his Grandma Ruby on weekends, where he loads up on sweets and skips brushing. One night, his toothbrush, Tommy, starts talking and reveals that a gang of "plaque attackers" has been drilling holes in Jimmy's 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. Each character has a distinct personality: Tommy is a champion fighter, Flossy is a rodeo cowgirl, and Rocky is a martial arts master, giving kids memorable figures to think of whenever they pick up a toothbrush.
Unlike traditional health books that lecture young readers, this story 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. The core message is simple and reassuring: sugar is OK, but at the end of the day, we must brush those sticky bugs away. "Children can become empowered to care for their own smiles," Fennimore says. "Ninety-nine percent of a healthy smile begins at home, and this book shows kids exactly how to make that happen."
The book's publication matters because preventable dental problems remain common among children, and Fennimore was inspired to write it after witnessing too many kids undergo avoidable treatment simply because they had never been taught proper brushing and flossing. By meeting children where they are—rather than shaming them for enjoying birthday cake or a cupcake—the book offers a positive, engaging approach to oral health that parents, educators, and dental professionals can use to reinforce good habits early.
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, and she has participated in community outreach programs, dental clinics, and dental missions. 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, capturing the story's humor and energy while keeping dental concepts accessible for young readers.
Jimmy Has a Hole in His Tooth! (ISBN: 979-8-218-73353-7) is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. Parker Publishers is a boutique publishing house dedicated to helping authors bring their stories to life through editorial, design, and marketing support.
