Cecilia Goes To The Dentist


Children - Educational
24 Pages
Reviewed on 03/25/2026
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

In Irit Tal’s Cecilia Goes to the Dentist, a young mouse named Cecilia sits down for breakfast, expecting a normal morning until a sharp pain in her tooth stops her from eating. It keeps coming back each time she tries. Cecilia's mother takes her to a dentist, a new place and experience with bright lights, unusual tools, and a chair she climbs into that moves up and down. The dentist asks her to open her mouth and begins checking her teeth to find what is causing the pain. Cecilia listens, watches, and follows each instruction as the visit continues, while the dentist works to deal with the problem. What begins as a small pain at breakfast leads Cecilia into a step-by-step dental visit that shows exactly what happens when a tooth starts to hurt.

Irit Tal’s Cecilia Goes to the Dentist is a really great little book that goes beyond routine dental visits that many children already find a bit scary, and walks them through what to expect when something slightly more serious occurs. This angle is far less common, making it a fantastic, inclusive option for young readers. The writing style is in steady, rhyming lines that move with a soft cadence, bringing together simple phrasing with accessible, age-appropriate language that's easy to read and follow aloud. Maia Batumashvili’s illustrations are just beautiful, with warmth through rounded forms, soft color palettes, and expressive faces. Batumashvili breathes life into both the characters and settings, providing visuals that transform a clinical space into something welcoming for a child reader. This is a wonderful story. Very highly recommended.

Carol Thompson

Cecilia Goes to the Dentist by Irit Tal tells the story of a young mouse named Cecilia who starts her day happily, only to be interrupted by a sudden toothache. As she eats breakfast, she feels a sharp sensitivity that worries her and won't go away, prompting her mother to take her to the dentist. At first unsure of what to expect, Cecilia finds that the dental visit isn’t as scary as she thought. The dentist gently examines her teeth, takes X-rays, and finds two cavities. With careful treatment, including numbing drops and cleaning, the dentist repairs Cecilia’s teeth while keeping her comfortable. Cecilia even finds parts of the visit fun, like the moving chair and tickling tools. By the end of the appointment, her teeth are clean and healthy, and she gets a prize for her bravery.

Irit Tal's writing style is playful and rhythmic, using simple rhymes that make the story engaging and easy for young readers to follow. The pacing flows smoothly from problem to solution, helping children understand each step of the dental visit without feeling overwhelmed. The language is gentle and reassuring, which helps lessen the fear of unfamiliar experiences. The illustrations by Maia Batumashvili add warmth and humor, clearly showing Cecilia’s emotions and transforming the dental setting into a friendly, inviting space. Readers who may feel nervous about visiting the dentist will appreciate how the story presents each moment calmly and understandably. The combination of rhyme, gentle tone, and colorful images makes the book appealing for read-aloud sessions and supports conversations between adults and children about dental care.

Diana Lopez

Tooth decay is a common problem among children because pain and swelling can worry them, so it’s essential to discuss the dentist visit beforehand. That way, they will know what to expect and can have a more positive experience. To help with this process, Irit Tal shares Cecilia Goes to the Dentist. Cecilia is a happy little mouse. One morning, she joins her family for breakfast, and when she takes a sip of her green shake, she feels a pain in one of her teeth. Even so, she tries to continue having breakfast, now being more careful with each bite. The pain persists, and when her mom notices, she comforts her with a hug to make her feel better. That’s how Cecilia has her first visit to the dentist in a cheerful office, where the dentist examines her with care to help her.

Irit Tal shares a charming story in Cecilia Goes to the Dentist. The short, melodious sentences make the book fun and easy to follow. I also really liked Cecilia’s character. Despite the pain and discomfort, she maintains a positive attitude. She gets excited when she sees the instruments in the office, cooperates during the check-up, and shows that there is no reason to be afraid of the dentist. I also loved the illustrations because they are colorful and show the dentist’s office as an interesting and, above all, fun place. Additionally, at the end, there are tips for parents about tooth decay, how to prevent it, and how to talk about this topic with children.