Making Tooth-Loss Magical: Why A Tooth Fairy Named Mort Belongs in Every Child’s Library

Losing a tooth is one of the biggest milestones in a young child’s life. It marks the end of babyhood, the beginning of new independence, and of course—introduces the mystery of the tooth fairy. But what if that moment could be more than just a dollar under the pillow?

That’s exactly what A Tooth Fairy Named Mort, written by award-winning author Sharon Thayer, delivers. This heartwarming story adds depth, magic, and meaning to a common childhood experience—transforming a simple tooth loss into a life lesson in kindness, giving, and wonder.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver searching for a meaningful children’s book, here’s why this charming story deserves a permanent spot on your bookshelf.

Reimagining the Tooth Fairy Tradition

Let’s be honest—most of us grew up thinking the tooth fairy was just an invisible figure who swapped teeth for coins. Cute? Yes. Memorable? Maybe. But impactful? Not really.

 A Tooth Fairy Named Mort reinvents this tradition by giving the tooth fairy a name, a purpose, and a heart. Mort isn’t just collecting teeth; she’s creating joy, one generous act at a time. The story reveals how every gift—even something as small as a lost tooth—can ripple out into a magical chain of kindness.

This message is a gift in itself. It helps children see their role in the world as not just receivers, but givers. That shift in mindset can create stronger character, deeper empathy, and more emotionally aware children.

Teaching Generosity Through Storytelling

At its core, this book is about more than a mythical creature. It’s about generosity. In a world where so much of childhood is about receiving—birthday gifts, holiday presents, constant rewards—it’s rare to find stories that emphasize giving without condition.

Mort is a gentle reminder that true magic happens when we give. Through her tale, kids learn that even the smallest offerings (like a baby tooth) can make someone else's day brighter. This theme lays the foundation for big life concepts like charity, compassion, and empathy—without ever feeling preachy.

That’s the beauty of storytelling. Kids don’t just hear a moral—they feel it.

Making Milestones Memorable

Parents are always looking for creative ways to mark their child’s growth. First steps, first words, first days of school—we photograph, scrapbook, and celebrate it all.

Why not do the same for the first lost tooth?

A Tooth Fairy Named Mort makes an ideal companion to this once-in-a-childhood event. Imagine gifting this book when your child starts wiggling their first loose tooth. You can read it together and build a new tradition: have your child write a note to Mort and tuck it under the pillow alongside their tooth.

This small act adds meaning to the moment and builds anticipation for a magical response.

It becomes more than a transaction—it becomes a memory. One they’ll carry into adulthood and maybe even pass on to their own kids.

A Keepsake That Grows With Your Child

Unlike toys or trinkets that get lost in the shuffle of childhood clutter, A Tooth Fairy Named Mort is a keepsake. It’s beautifully illustrated, emotionally rich, and timeless in its message. It’s the kind of book children return to again and again—not just for the story, but for the warmth and comfort it brings.

And when Sharon Thayer personally signs the book, she often writes: “From every gift - magic grows.” She tells the child receiving the book that their tooth, given as a gift to Mortina, will bring fairy magic - but that they also have the power to bring smiles and grow magical happiness and joy in others.

That’s the kind of keepsake that goes beyond bedtime reading - it becomes part of a child’s core memory

How to Build Your Own Tooth Fairy Tradition

Not sure how to integrate the book into your family life? Here are a few simple ideas:

• Tooth Fairy Kit: Pair the book with a tooth fairy pillow or keepsake box for storing teeth.

• Letter from Mort: Leave behind a personalized note from Mort with each tooth she collects.

• Storytime Ritual: Make the book part of your evening routine when a tooth gets wiggly or falls out.

• Kindness Tracker: Create a simple chart where your child can “grow” their own kindness score—just like Mort does.

These small efforts turn fleeting moments into meaningful traditions that reinforce the story’s themes.

Perfect Gift for Parents, Teachers & Tooth Fairies

A Tooth Fairy Named Mort isn’t just for families. It’s also an ideal gift for teachers, dentists, pediatricians, and librarians. Anyone who works with children can use this book to teach values in a way that resonates. It’s especially helpful in classrooms or story hours during Dental Health Month or as a tie-in for early childhood education on caring for our bodies and one another.

It also makes a thoughtful gift for:

• Birthday parties (especially for kids in the tooth-losing age)

• Tooth Fairy parties – Invite kids to dress up as Mortina, her fairy friends, or even her brother, and gift them a copy of the book!

• First dentist appointments – or even as a thoughtful addition to a dentist office’s waiting room.

• Classroom read-alouds – especially during Dental Health Month

It’s a unique, magical way to introduce kids to values like kindness, sharing, and imagination—without relying on the usual “lesson book” tone.

Suggested Books to Pair with A Tooth Fairy Named Mort

If your child enjoyed this story, here are a few more from Sharon Thayer’s collection that make equally meaningful keepsake gifts:

• My Perfect Birthday Wish – A beautiful story about the true meaning of birthday wishes.

• To the Ends of the Earth – A heartfelt reminder of a parent’s unconditional love.

• If You Tell Me, I Can Fly! – A powerful tale about believing in yourself and chasing your dreams.

• Wonderfully, Perfectly Unusual! – A celebration of differences, kindness, and confidence.

• The Story of Santa’s Beard – A magical tale that teaches kids about kindness, generosity, and the joy of giving.

Each of these titles builds on similar values: love, generosity, growth, and imagination.

Final Thoughts: Make Magic That Lasts

Losing a tooth is a big deal in a child’s world. And with A Tooth Fairy Named Mort, it doesn’t have to be just about the tooth—it can be about a lesson, a memory, and a little bit of magic that stays long after the last baby tooth is gone.

If you’re looking for a story that balances whimsy with wisdom, this book delivers.

So, the next time a tooth wiggles loose, skip the dollar-store toy and reach for something meaningful. Because the best gifts are the ones that leave a mark on the heart—and  A Tooth Fairy Named Mort does just that.