New Children's Book Turns Dental Hygiene into an Action-Packed Adventure
Mollie Fennimore, RDH, and Richie Gunnell, DDS, team up to teach kids about oral health through the whimsical tale of Jimmy, the Toothbrush Trio, and the plaque attack gang
ORLANDO, FL, November 12, 2026 -- Parker Publishers is proud to announce the release of Jimmy Has a Hole in His Tooth!, a vibrant new children's picture book by registered dental hygienist Mollie Fennimore and dentist Richie Gunnell. Written for children ages 2 to 10, the book transforms the everyday task of brushing, flossing, and rinsing into an action-packed adventure, empowering young readers to take charge of their own smiles.
In the story, seven-year-old Jimmy loves visiting his Grandma Ruby on the weekends, where he loads up on sweets and skips brushing his teeth. One night, his toothbrush, Tommy, starts talking to him, revealing that a gang of "plaque attackers" has been drilling holes in his teeth. With the help of the Toothbrush Trio (Tommy the toothbrush, Flossy O'Malley the floss, and Rocky the Rinse), Jimmy learns how to fight back and protect his smile.
A Story That Makes Oral Health Click
Unlike traditional health books that lecture young readers, Jimmy has a Hole in his Tooth! weaves dental education into a narrative children can relate to: a grandma's house full of treats, a lazy bedtime routine, and the magical moment when household objects come to life. Each member of the Toothbrush Trio has a distinct personality (Tommy is a champion fighter, Flossy is a rodeo cowgirl, and Rocky is a martial arts master), giving kids memorable characters to think of every time they pick up a toothbrush.
The book's core message is simple and reassuring: sugar is OK, but at the end of the day, we must brush those sticky bugs away. It is a philosophy that meets children where they are, rather than shaming them for enjoying birthday cake or a cupcake at a party.
"Children can become empowered to care for their own smiles," says Fennimore. "Ninety-nine percent of a healthy smile begins at home, and this book shows kids exactly how to make that happen."
About the Author
Mollie Fennimore is a registered dental hygienist based in North Carolina with more than 40 years of clinical experience. Her career spans new practice startups, operations, marketing, PR, and mentoring. She has participated in community outreach programs, dental clinics, and dental missions. A seasoned professional with an eye for detail and a passion for helping people, Fennimore was inspired to write this book after witnessing too many children undergo preventable dental treatment simply because they had never been taught how to brush and floss properly.
When she is not advocating for children's oral health, Fennimore enjoys the outdoors, entertaining, and spending time with her grandchildren.
About the Illustrator
Richie Gunnell, DDS, brings the Toothbrush Trio and the plaque attack gang to life with playful, hand-drawn illustrations rendered in colored pencil and ink. A practicing dentist, Gunnell's artwork captures the story's humor and energy while keeping dental concepts accessible for young readers.
Book Details
Title: Jimmy has a Hole in his Tooth!
Written by: Mollie Fennimore, RDH
Illustrated by: Richie Gunnell, DDS
Publisher: Parker Publishers
ISBN: 979-8-218-73353-7
Audience: Children ages 2 to 10
Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold
About Parker Publishers
Parker Publishers is a boutique publishing house dedicated to helping authors bring their stories to life through editorial, design, and marketing support.
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In the story, seven-year-old Jimmy loves visiting his Grandma Ruby on the weekends, where he loads up on sweets and skips brushing his teeth. One night, his toothbrush, Tommy, starts talking to him, revealing that a gang of "plaque attackers" has been drilling holes in his teeth. With the help of the Toothbrush Trio (Tommy the toothbrush, Flossy O'Malley the floss, and Rocky the Rinse), Jimmy learns how to fight back and protect his smile.
A Story That Makes Oral Health Click
Unlike traditional health books that lecture young readers, Jimmy has a Hole in his Tooth! weaves dental education into a narrative children can relate to: a grandma's house full of treats, a lazy bedtime routine, and the magical moment when household objects come to life. Each member of the Toothbrush Trio has a distinct personality (Tommy is a champion fighter, Flossy is a rodeo cowgirl, and Rocky is a martial arts master), giving kids memorable characters to think of every time they pick up a toothbrush.
The book's core message is simple and reassuring: sugar is OK, but at the end of the day, we must brush those sticky bugs away. It is a philosophy that meets children where they are, rather than shaming them for enjoying birthday cake or a cupcake at a party.
"Children can become empowered to care for their own smiles," says Fennimore. "Ninety-nine percent of a healthy smile begins at home, and this book shows kids exactly how to make that happen."
About the Author
Mollie Fennimore is a registered dental hygienist based in North Carolina with more than 40 years of clinical experience. Her career spans new practice startups, operations, marketing, PR, and mentoring. She has participated in community outreach programs, dental clinics, and dental missions. A seasoned professional with an eye for detail and a passion for helping people, Fennimore was inspired to write this book after witnessing too many children undergo preventable dental treatment simply because they had never been taught how to brush and floss properly.
When she is not advocating for children's oral health, Fennimore enjoys the outdoors, entertaining, and spending time with her grandchildren.
About the Illustrator
Richie Gunnell, DDS, brings the Toothbrush Trio and the plaque attack gang to life with playful, hand-drawn illustrations rendered in colored pencil and ink. A practicing dentist, Gunnell's artwork captures the story's humor and energy while keeping dental concepts accessible for young readers.
Book Details
Title: Jimmy has a Hole in his Tooth!
Written by: Mollie Fennimore, RDH
Illustrated by: Richie Gunnell, DDS
Publisher: Parker Publishers
ISBN: 979-8-218-73353-7
Audience: Children ages 2 to 10
Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold
About Parker Publishers
Parker Publishers is a boutique publishing house dedicated to helping authors bring their stories to life through editorial, design, and marketing support.
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Contact Information
Mollie FennimoreParker Publishers
Orlando, Florida
USA
Voice: +1 689-219-8883
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