The Secret of Toothland

Zosia didn’t like brushing her teeth. To her, a toothbrush felt like a boring old sword, and toothpaste always ended up on her chin instead of her teeth. “They’ll be clean again tomorrow anyway!” she said every evening, hiding under her duvet. But that night… something changed. As she closed her eyes, she felt a soft tickle on her cheek. She opened them—and saw a tiny creature with a shining smile and a toothbrush in his hand. “I’m Brushkin, guardian of Toothland!” he declared proudly. “We’ve come for help! Your teeth are the gateway to our world, but... someone’s trying to shut it!” Zosia blinked in surprise. “Who?” At that moment, dark, sticky blobs slithered out from the wardrobe. They were the Decaylings—murmuring, giggling little creatures that thrived on sugar and unbrushed teeth. “If we don’t stop them,” shouted Brushkin, “your teeth will close forever, and Toothland will disappear!” Zosia grabbed her toothbrush. “Right then, time for some real cleaning!” With a brave swoosh, she began brushing: top to bottom, front to back. With every stroke, the Decaylings hissed and vanished, as if afraid of the mint! When she finished, Brushkin gave a deep bow. “You’ve saved us. Remember—every evening is a new battle. But you’re a hero now!”