The Stories Julian Tells

This story explores the ups and downs that occur during childhood, focusing on the near-universal experience of losing baby teeth—a topic highly relatable to the book’s young audience. “My Very Strange Teeth” follows Julian’s emotional journey as he navigates the impatience, excitement, and eventual disappointment of losing a tooth. Initially eager to remove his loose tooth as quickly as possible, Julian’s perspective evolves throughout the story, highlighting the natural fluctuations of a child’s emotions. His journey from impatience to contentment to disappointment encapsulates the broader concept of the unpredictable emotional landscape of childhood, where even small changes feel monumental.

“My Very Strange Teeth” develops the theme of The Role of Imagination in Childhood, particularly through his parents’ comparison of Julian’s teeth to those of a “cave-boy.” When Julian becomes frustrated with his teeth, his mother counters his negativity by painting a vivid picture of how his unique dental situation might have been advantageous to a prehistoric child. This imaginative framing not only helps Julian accept his situation but also emphasizes the importance of creativity and imagination in coping with life’s challenges. It encourages children to view their differences not as flaws but as special traits that make them unique, contributing to a larger lesson of self-acceptance.

The story’s use of parental guidance underscores the theme of Parental Role-Modeling. Ralph’s suggestions for removing Julian’s tooth—using pliers, tying it to a doorknob, or pushing on it until it falls out, producing blood—are deliberately frightening and imply that he knows Julian will refuse them. This method subtly teaches Julian a lesson about patience, as Ralph indirectly encourages him to wait for the tooth to fall out naturally rather than rushing the process. This approach juxtaposes Mom’s more nurturing response, where she reframes Julian’s “stupid” teeth as “unusual” and “special,” teaching him to embrace his difference. Together, these parental interventions provide a balanced model for guiding children through challenges by imparting both firm lessons and gentle encouragement.

“My Very Strange Teeth” shares thematic elements with the preceding story, “Because of Figs.” In both stories, Julian learns that growth—whether growing taller or losing a baby tooth—can’t be rushed. The repeated emphasis on this concept across different stories reinforces how commonly children feel a strong desire to mature rapidly. The stories teach a valuable lesson about the importance of patience, showing that each stage of growth has its own time and that rushing the process can lead to unexpected or undesirable consequences. By exploring these themes through relatable and imaginative scenarios, the story offers young readers important insights into the nature of growth and self-acceptance, while reflecting the emotional realities of childhood.