Demon Dentist

Product Information

This was the world of the imagination. Anything was possible in Dad’s and Alfie’s adventures. Nothing could stop them. Nothing. As Alfie grew older though, he found it harder and harder to see these things. As his dad spoke, the boy would open his eyes, become distracted, and begin to wish he could play computer games all night like the other kids at his new big school. “Pup, just close your eyes and believe…” his dad would say. However, Alfie was beginning to think that now he was twelve, nearly thirteen, he was too old to believe in magic and myths and fantastical creatures. He was about to find out how terribly wrong he was. This is the second time I’m reading ‘Demon Dentist’ by David Walliams & it was as mesmerizing & laugh out loud funny as it was in the past. One of my students chose this title for their book review test & so I had to go through the book again. I know for a fact that she enjoyed the book in spite of not having known Walliams & now is keen on reading all of his titles that are available in India. I did believe in the Tooth Fairy, but then I didn't believe in the Tooth Fairy," recalls the author. Except two children – Gabz, who looked on with sadness at the cruelty, and Texting Boy, who was still texting and had missed everything. “Oh dear, oh dear. What is your name, child…?” enquired the dentist. “Alfie, M-M-Miss…” the boy spluttered. “Call me Mummy…” There was no way he was ever going to call anyone that, least of all her. “Alfie what…?” continued Miss Root. “Alfie Griffith.” “Well, young Alfie Griffith, you simply must make an appointment to come and see me at my surgery very soon…” Alfie shuddered at the thought. He had vowed never to go anywhere near another dentist as long as he lived. “Do you like presents, child…?”

Alfie, we shall meet again…” No, we won’t! thought Alfie. “Oh yes we will…” she whispered. It was as if the dentist could hear his thoughts…

Gabz

Don’t miss this terrific tale from the West End producers of David Walliams’ Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, which were both nominated for an Olivier Award! It’s the funniest and most exciting show yet! The dentist is a common phobia amongst children, and the more sensitive might find some of the more nightmarish scenes difficult to take, most notably when Alfie gets all his teeth removed without anaesthetic, his arms and legs held in place with metal cuffs. Yet whilst this book is unlikely to dispel any dentist fears, there's enough humour in the mix to prevent it becoming too terrifying for the majority of young readers.

And I see that there is a need to make it interesting and that's where you need some evil witch, because how otherwise will you keep the children's attention? I think with a book like Demon Dentist, it should be scary but in a safe way. When I ask kids if they found the book scary, they all say no. I want my books to be read for pleasure. Join Alfie and Gabz on this fabulous adventure, as they investigate the strange events happening in their home town! Children are leaving their teeth for the tooth fairy and waking up to find odd things under their pillows! Alfie and Gabz are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery - but no-one could have dreamed what they'll discover when they come face to face with the demon dentist herself, in this hilarious and thrilling story!

Nevertheless, I enjoyed it immensely. If I had a child, I would reconsider if I really wanted to give such a book for a kid. But I definetely recommend it to grown-ups who enjoy children's books. It is a thrill being scared, as long as there are safe parameters. We have all seen parents play with their children pretending to be monsters. Children yelp half in fear and half in pleasure. The story is fantastical, sentimental, hilarious & written with a keen eye for detail. Walliams has indeed proven himself to be the true offspring of Roald Dahl’s style as is shown in his witty & humorous books for children. I sometimes feel that I prefer the Walliams books to the Dahl ones as they are so inclusive. I adored the characters, especially good old Raj; I cannot get enough of Raj in this novel, he is simply amazing! Another character who stole my heart in this book was Mr. Snood the dramatics instructor. I myself always tend to overdo things & therefore sometimes, I too must be appearing to be very much like Mr. Snood with his compulsive ‘impro’ commands. I think David Walliams' best books for kids are the ones that are obviously personal to him (and very touching) or funny without trying stupidly hard to be funny, without villains, that are character-driven, that don't aim towards an over-the-top Indiana Jones chase sequence and lose their unique feel.

But the main book emphasis goes around a very poor boy and his very unfortunate life. I see how this part is set to teach kids sympathy and tenderness, not to bully the ones that don't or can't fit in, be compassionate and understanding. Don't miss this terrific tale from the West End producers of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, which were both nominated for an Olivier Award! It's the funniest and most exciting show yet! Darkness had come to the town. Strange things were happening in the dead of night. Children would put a tooth under their pillow for the tooth fairy, but in the morning they would wake up to find… a dead slug; a live spider; hundreds of earwigs creeping and crawling beneath their pillow. Evil was at work. But who or what was behind it…? Demon Dentist by David Walliams – eBook Details Prologue Darkness had come to the town. Strange things were happening in the dead of night. Children would put a tooth under their pillow at bedtime, excitedly waiting for the tooth fairy to leave a coin. In the morning they would wake up to find something unspeakable under there. A dead slug. A live spider. Hundreds and hundreds of earwigs creeping and crawling beneath their pillow. Or worse. Much worse… Someone or something had come into their bedrooms in the hours of darkness, snatched the tooth and left a blood-curdling calling card behind. Evil was at work. But who or what was behind it? How could they sneak into children’s bedrooms without being seen? And what could they possibly want with all those teeth…? Oh…” moaned the woman in pleasure. “Your teeth are absolutely abhorrent…” The whole of the lower school laughed at him.What an amazing show! It's such a thrill to see my story brought to life in such a brilliant way. I love it! ” David Walliams

The dentist had gripped so hard he had crushed the tooth. It exploded into thousands of tiny fragments inside Alfie’s mouth. With the ordeal finally over, Mr Erstwhile and all his helpers were lying in a tangled heap on the surgery floor. “Well done, everyone!” he announced, as his assistant Miss Prig helped him to his feet. “Oh, that tooth was a stubborn little blighter!” Just then Alfie realised something. He still had toothache. The dentist had taken out the wrong tooth!Demon Dentist, for me, is even better than Gangsta Granny. It's deceptively dark, gruesome and truly frightening when you deconstruct it. It's about a demon masquerading as a crazy dentist hellbent on ripping every child's entire mouthful of teeth out, leaving disgusting, vile 'gifts' under their pillow as a treat (like badger's paws and bat's wings, for example). I'm not sure how a younger reader would take this book, so it might be best to say it's for older children, maybe 10+. The illustrations are fantastically sinister, with Tony Ross perfectly capturing the grotesque Demon Dentist and her creepy cat, Fang. This play really does have something for everyone. It's a perfect family treat and the Birmingham Stage Company have yet another five star hit on their hands!" Bum On A Seat