[.ca] Lippy The Lion (ISBN 1894936671)

Not the book to explain cleft lip/palate to your kids:
I'm being very generous by giving this book 2 stars and that's only because I think the author had the best of intentions. That being said, I am returning it and would NOT use it to explain cleft lip/palate to my son who is affected, his sister, or his cousins. First, the book is just weird in its focus. It is written entirely from the point of view of the mother lion and focuses on her emotions when she learns her baby is born with a cleft lip. Yet it is a book clearly written and illustrated for children -- why would it be helpful for them to hear that their condition upset their parents when they were born?? My biggest objection to the book is that the parents express concern that the other animals won't love their son if his cleft is not repaired. That is the EXACT opposite of the message I'd like my son to get. Then, the mother lion agonizes over the decision to have her baby get surgery for awhile, he gets the surgery and then end of story, he lives happily ever after. So there is also no realism about the process of medical care that is required over several years for a cleft affected child. The author's good intentions weren't enough -- I'm sending it back.

A Beautiful Book about Physical Differences:
"The Story of Lippy the Lion" is brilliantly told by author Joanne Green and beautifully illustrated by Marla Verdone. The birth of a prince is a joyous occasion, except that there is a challenge at birth. Like my own son, Lippy was born with a cleft lip and palate. This sensitive story tells about the experiences a family faces and eventually triumphs over when a child is born under "less than optimal" conditions. The children's story is followed by a helpful index for new parents, including a before/after gallery of individuals who were themselves born with cleft. Highly recommend! A truly beautiful book that you will want to add to your child's library.

Fantastic Story:
This book talks about being born with a cleft lip and palate. It's an excellent book for new parents and children. An excellent gift for any family members who have a child born with a cleft. It is well written and easy understandable by children.