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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Day Bert Smiled: A Children’s Book About Cleft Lip and Palate Awareness by Christine Maier with illustrations by Aviva Brueckner is aimed at raising awareness about this condition, which is an opening in the lip and on the roof of the mouth. The story follows Bert, a special boy who loves going to school but avoids speaking in class because he was born with a cleft lip and palate. The condition makes his speech sound different because he finds it difficult to produce some sounds. Fortunately, Bert has an operation to fix his lip and mouth and receives encouraging letters from his classmates while in recovery. Bert returns to class with confidence and the zeal to inspire other kids with cleft lip and palate and bring smiles to their faces.
The Day Bert Smiled is a heartwarming story about kindness, friendship, and love. The book teaches children and adults about cleft lip and palate and advises readers to be compassionate toward one another. It also has lessons about believing in yourself and embracing each other's differences. Christine Maier presents all these profound messages in a creative way so that children will relate to and understand them. I loved the illustrations because they reminded me of a coloring book. I believe children will appreciate the art and enjoy getting to know the characters. Each of them is unique, and their emotions are depicted perfectly. Bert's classmates and teachers are from diverse races, which I found beneficial in showing diversity and teaching the message of accepting our differences. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about cleft lip and palate.
