Charlie Learns About Her Food Allergies

BOOK: 39 page full colour picture book ideal 4-10 years.- by Katie Holl (Author), Beth Snider (Illustrator), Brooke Vitale (Editor)

A beautiful blend of story and education to help children better understand food allergies.

Charlie is a funny, creative, and imaginative little girl who loves jokes, rainbows, and unicorns. She looks like other kids, but has a unique difference that isn’t always visible. She has food allergies.

But food allergies don’t keep Charlie from enjoying all the things other kids can do. It just means she has to do things a little different to make sure she stays safe.

Join Charlie as she shares her experience finding out about her multiple food allergies, how she was diagnosed, and how others support her to keep her safe. As Charlie shares her story in her own words, she also shares allergy-specific terms, and most importantly, some super skills she’s learned along the way.

Filled with fun and captivating illustrations, Charlie Learns About Her Food Allergies is a book for all children, with and without food allergies. To educate those without and empower those with, encouraging empathy and inclusion.

Bonus Book Features:

• 5 Ways to include children with food allergies
• 10 Tips for parents or caregivers
• Allergy-specific terms and definitions glossary

“As a pediatric food allergy specialist, I meet many families who struggle when their child is diagnosed with food allergies. This wonderful book offers a positive approach and will help countless children and their families reframe the negative stigma that often accompanies this diagnosis. I hope Charlie helps children see how truly special they are, regardless of their food allergies!” - David Stukus, MD, Board Certified Pediatric Allergist/Immunologist

“This book is a fantastic resource to educate kids and families about food allergies. As an educator who has students with food allergies and as a parent of a child who does not have food allergies, this book did a great job of providing important information in a fun way. “ - Kara P., Educator and Parent

IMPORTANT: Illustrated kids' books about allergies serve several important purposes for children:

1. Education: These books provide a child-friendly and relatable way to learn about allergies. They explain what allergies are, common allergens, and how to recognize allergic reactions. This knowledge empowers children to understand their own allergies or those of their friends and classmates.

2. Empathy and Understanding: Allergy-themed books help foster empathy in children. They teach kids to be considerate of others who may have allergies and to be aware of potential allergens. This can reduce the risk of accidentally causing harm to their peers with allergies.

3. Safety: Children with allergies need to know how to keep themselves safe. Allergy books often include practical tips on avoiding allergens, carrying medications (like EpiPens), and seeking help in case of an allergic reaction. This knowledge can be life-saving.

4. Reducing Fear and Anxiety: Allergies can be frightening for children, especially if they've experienced severe reactions. Illustrated books can help demystify allergies, making them less scary and more manageable for kids. This can reduce anxiety and increase their confidence in managing their allergies.

5. Inclusivity: These books promote inclusivity by raising awareness of allergies and their impact. They help create a more supportive and understanding environment for children with allergies, ensuring they feel included and safe in social settings.

6. Healthy Eating Habits: Some allergy-themed books focus on food allergies. These books can help children with allergies and their peers make informed food choices, promoting healthier eating habits and ensuring that everyone can enjoy meals together safely.

7. Reading and Literacy Skills: Illustrated books are a fantastic tool for developing reading and literacy skills in children. By using engaging visuals and relatable stories, allergy-themed books encourage kids to read and learn.

In summary, illustrated kids' books about allergies are beneficial because they educate, promote empathy, enhance safety, reduce fear and anxiety, foster inclusivity, encourage healthy habits, and support literacy development. These books play a crucial role in helping children navigate a world where allergies are increasingly common.