MARGARET YATSEVITCH PHINNEY was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She currently teaches Reading Education at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is the author of many children’s books. Margaret remembers how it seemed to take forever for a loose tooth to fall out, which inspired her to write this story. She lives in Little Canada, Minnesota, with her husband.


SHANE W. EVANS was born in California. He knew he wanted to be an artist from the time he was five years old. He has illustrated several books for children and his artwork has been in shows in the United States, Europe, and Africa. Shane lives with his dog, Bajeedah, in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Guided Reading Guided reading levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts using the guidelines identified in Guided Reading and Matching Books to Readers by Irene C. Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell (Heinemann).

Intervention Intervention levels were assigned by certified Reading Recovery® teachers and literacy experts and are intended for use in early intervention and one-on-one tutorial programs, including Reading Recovery® programs. These levels are not officially authorized by Reading Recovery®. Reading Recovery® is a registered servicemark of The Ohio State University.

DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) The DRA levels were determined using information in the Developmental Reading Assessment Resource Guide by Joetta Beaver (Celebration Press).

All level placements may vary and are subject to revision. Teachers may adjust the assigned levels in accordance with their own evaluations.