The Crocodile and the Dentist

A parent might reach for this book when their child is expressing fear or anxiety about an upcoming dentist appointment. In this clever and humorous story, a crocodile with a painful cavity must visit the dentist. The brilliant twist is that the dentist is just as terrified of treating a crocodile as the crocodile is of being treated! The book follows their parallel internal monologues of fear, reluctance, and eventual bravery. It masterfully normalizes anxiety, showing that everyone gets scared sometimes, even adults. For ages 3 to 6, Taro Gomi's simple, expressive illustrations and repetitive text make the feeling of fear feel manageable and even funny. It's a perfect tool for building empathy and starting a conversation about facing our fears together.