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The Day Bert Smiled Book cover: A character named Bert, depicted in a lively pose with vibrant colors and intricate details.
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He and his pup may look a bit different, but their hearts are as big as can be…

Bert is nervous. Born with an opening in his mouth that he feels makes him sound funny, the young boy doesn’t like to speak up in first grade. But he’s worried his friends won’t even notice when he’s out of school for surgery to fix it.

And when his mom comes to class to teach the students about his condition, will he find comfort in having supportive playmates?

In a gentle and educational story centered on a boy and his dog who both have a cleft lip and palate, youngsters will learn to appreciate and support their peers and each other. And with compassionate ideas of the various ways youth can help those with medical challenges, your little ones will develop minds and hearts that genuinely care.

The Day Bert Smiled is an inspirational children’s book suitable for ages 6-9. If you or your child like relatable characters, themes of empathy and kindness, and sweet lessons, then you’ll love Christine Maier’s charming tale.

Buy The Day Bert Smiled to stand up for friends today!

Praise for The Day Bert Smiled

The Day Bert Smiled by Christine Maier is one of those children’s books that even adults will enjoy. It’s warm, witty, well illustrated, and opens up a new world to the reader. The story is fresh, yet accessible, and doesn’t just validate differences. It celebrates them. Wholly original while reinforcing community values, acceptance, and friendship. Plus, there’s a dog.

-Morgan Locklear, Musician and author of Connection

An inspiring and heartfelt story of a young boy who faces challenges due to his cleft lip but never loses his determination and spirit. The book narrates Bert’s journey through surgery and speech therapy and his efforts to educate his classmates about cleft lip. Bert’s courage demonstrates resilience and the importance of acceptance and understanding. Bert’s story is a testament to his strength and an inspiration to anyone who faced adversity. A must-read for children and adults, this book teaches valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and diversity and will leave a positive lasting impact on all who read it.

–Christine Errico, TEDx Speaker & Cleft Confidence Coach

Christine Maier has written another wonderful book that is enlightening, heart-warming and inclusive for the child undergoing cleft lip and palate. The Day Bert Smiled is a touching story about a sensitive life experience. Bringing it to light with education, inspiration and outreach to other cleft affected children around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this diverse and creative book. I would highly recommend it as being a great resource for those children with and without cleft lip and palate, their parents/caregivers, teachers and health care
professionals.

–Bella Lucia, author of Lucia’s Story: My Imperfect Beauty

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.

– Luwi Nyakansaila (Readers’ Favorite)

Stand Up For Friends Today

In November 2021, I traveled to Kenya with Smile Train to learn more about the work they do on the ground to help individuals with cleft lip and palate. Having grown up in New York with a great cleft team, I knew I had been lucky with the care I received. Kenya let me know how lucky I was.

While there were many differences in access to care and the actual care itself, the journey that cleft affected individuals go through has many similarities. Surgeries, hearing, speech, and dental issues. Also, living in a world where there is a lot of misinformation about clefts can be another challenge.

That’s why I wrote The Day Bert Smiled, to help educate the public about cleft lip and palate. I choose a children’s book because they’re fun to write, but more importantly they help develop compassionate and educated adults.

As I wrote The Day Bert Smiled, I remembered receiving get well cards from classmates after one of my surgeries in elementary school. Those cards let me know the kids in my class cared about me and wanted me to come back to school. They told me I was accepted. I wanted to share that acceptance with generations of children from around the world.

The Day Bert Smiled Team

Christine is an author and speaker who empowers individuals and organizations to embrace their differences and find their superpowers. She is the author of the award-winning books, Blue Sky Morning and The Too Tall Giraffe.

Christine spent years believing a cleft lip and palate, being the shortest kid in class, and a learning disability were holding her back. But the opposite was true. They taught her that what makes us different is really the foundation for understanding our superpowers.

Aviva Brueckner is a writer and artist heavily influenced by her front-row seat to peaceful revolution. Born to an Israeli mother and a German father in East-Berlin, she joined the street protests rattling her country at age 13 and toppled the Wall.

Avi has degrees in law, physical therapy, and graphic design. She has lived in three countries on three continents and has traveled many more, usually on a shoestring budget. Proud Aspie.