What the Dickens. The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy

Editorial Review
From the author of the best-selling WICKED, a transporting tale-within-a-tale about the strange world of skibbereen — aka tooth fairies — and the universal need to believe.

A terrible storm is raging, and ten-year-old Dinah is huddled by candlelight with her brother, sister, and cousin Gage, who is telling a very unusual tale. It’s the story of What-the-Dickens, a newly hatched orphan creature who finds he has an attraction to teeth, a crush on a cat named McCavity, and a penchant for getting into trouble. One day he happens upon a feisty girl skibberee who is working as an Agent of Change — trading coins for teeth — and learns that there is a dutiful tribe of skibbereen (call them tooth fairies) to which he hopes to belong. As his tale of discovery unfolds, however, both What-the- Dickens and Dinah come to see that the world is both richer and less sure than they ever imagined.
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Customer Reviews

Great Book!!!

2007-12-02
The latest in a series which includes Wicked, Son of a Witch, Lost, Mirror Mirror and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister. This is another wonderful story by a master storyteller, if you enjoyed any of his other books you will love this one. Highly suggested for anyone who likes a story with a little "twist".

If U love G.M. read this story.

2007-11-30
Another creative story nothing new for this author. The subject matter in this book, What-the-Dickens, is more suitable for young audiences as well as readers of Wicked, etc. While still scary in some concepts it skips the sexuality and violence making this a good read aloud for most ages and an enjoyable quick read for adults.

funny and imaginative

2007-11-10
I am a big fan of Maguires; I was very pleased to see him finally write a children's novel. The story was funny and very creative. This would make an excellent gift for a middle school reader who loves fantasy.

Mediocre

2007-10-31
Maguire has written, in my opinion, some very original material. This book could be included in that. But, it lacks the oomph that made Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, and Mirror Mirror excellent books. I have to say that I was overall disappointed in this book. It's worth the read, but I wouldn't expect greatness.

What the Dickens

2007-10-28
For all the Gregory Maguirethis is a gem.

A nice story for the younger readers but not a kids book. Another great re-interpretation and rethinking of traditional tales - A Tooth Fairy (Skiberdeen) named: What-the-dickens!

Not The Best

2008-06-27
I have very mixed feelings about this book. The story of the skibereen is delightful. I wish I had seen more about the various colonies and even leaned what happens to Pepper and What-The-Dickens after the book ends (I think that's where a good story would have really gotten going). But the whole framing story rubbed me the wrong way. First off, the ultra-religious homeschooling stereotype is annoying, and I think largely unnecessary. I also felt the frame alluding to larger twists than it provided. I really expected more of this book after reading Maguire's other novels.

Ok but wouldn't recommend it

2008-06-09
It took me forever to read this book. I kept reading the book to see how it ended and to my horror it ended terribly. I wouldn't recommend this book although I haven't given up on the author yet.

A real Let down

2008-05-19
I had high hopes for this book, looking so forward to reading it. It was hard to keep going when I picked it up. I just found it on the boring side, not much in the way of material that kept me thinking 'what will happen next'? I did push on through to the end and that was pretty much unsatisfying as well. What a shame...was a waste of my time and could well be a waste of your time as well.

Fun refreshing fairy tale that grown-up will love

2008-01-19
I really enjoyed this book. A really fun fairy tale that grown-ups can get into. This would also be a great choice for a bedtime story to read aloud to kids, maybe a chapter at a time.

What-theDickens

2007-12-18
Maguire weaves another interesting tale. Though it is more a children's story, I still couldn't put it down.