Reach Out and Read Minnesota is delighted to introduce you to our new friend, Tug. Tug is an adorable plush pillow toy who keeps recently lost teeth safe in his backpack until his friend, the Tooth Fairy, can retrieve them.
Thanks to a generous donation, Reach Out and Read Minnesota was recently able to share Tug, as well as the book he protagonizes, Tug and the Tooth, with thousands of families across Minnesota. Heidi Whitaker, the author and creator of Tug and the Tooth, donated 2,700 book kits, each containing a copy of the book and a real life Tug plushie, for distribution to families at our partner clinics across the state.
The book, which tells the story of a young girl named Liza and her new friend Tug as they adventure through the magical realm of the Tooth Fairy, teaches children about bravery, perseverance, and patience, all while celebrating an important childhood milestone.
More than a dozen of our partner clinics across Minnesota received the book kits to be given out in addition to those books being given in our core program. We also provided kits for Ready, Set, Smile, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit which provides dental care and education for communities in need. Clinics report that Tug has already been a resounding success with families.
“They’ve been such a hit with the kids,” said Fay Ali of Children’s Minnesota West St. Paul. “This donation gives me an opportunity to talk with families about dental hygiene in a fun and engaging way.”
“This donation means a lot to our families because not all our patients understand the importance of visiting the dentist with their children. The book will give them a better understanding on how important it is to brush your teeth daily and visit the dentist on a regular basis,” added Mor Tao of Minnesota Community Care.
This donation was made possible by our friends and supporters at Delta Dental of Minnesota, who connected Heidi Whitaker with the Reach Out and Read Minnesota team, and coordinated the logistics of the donation. Reach Out and Read Minnesota thanks Heidi Whitaker and Delta Dental of Minnesota for sharing these wonderful book kits with the families we serve in Minnesota!
