Lior and the Cavity

Lior, a preschooler, has already overcome his fear of the dark, of witches and of being alone. But the dentist, with his drill, syringe and big chair, is beyond Lior’s limited courage. When it is clear that the pain in Lior’s cheek is a cavity that must be filled, the fear monster, depicted as black, swelling and formless, emerges triumphantly from the place where Lior has had it under control for some time now. The fear monster grows and shrinks in concert with Lior’s shifting feelings. The dentist is a kind, understanding man who explains to his patient exactly what he is doing, thus taking readers step-by-step through a trip to his clinicy. First, there is the examination with a spoon-like mirror and then the injection. Lior is fortified by his favorite music in the background. When the dentist aks him to rinse his mouth, Lior sees the fear monster cowering in a corner and knows that he has emerged the winner.

Elisheva Ga’ash’s vibrant illustrations are full of the sort of realistic details that will help deliver this message about conquering fear.