Food allergies, especially in children, are very common. Some statistics say that there are two children in every classroom with food allergies accounting for 5% of all children. Many of the schools I have been in have policies regarding nuts, latex and more. In today’s world children need to be educated about this life threatening subject that they will surely encounter.
Books are one of the very best way to help children understand everything! Understanding the importance of their own allergy issues or understanding their classmates, teammates and friends’ allergies is very important. Here are some of the best books on the topic of helping children understand allergies.
The Bugabees: Friends With Food Allergies
A whimsical tale of eight friends with food allergies. Food allergies are never fun, but best friends always are! This light-hearted story explores the daily routines of eight best buggy friends such as Beetle, Cricket and Butterfly, as they face their respective food allergies with positivity and poise.
Daniel Has an Allergy (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)
When Daniel eats a peach for the first time, he learns that he is allergic to the fruit. Thankfully, Dad and Doctor Anna take care of him. Daniel learns how he can take care of his allergy—even at school! A wonderful story for children with food allergies or for those who know someone with them.
Nutley, the Nut-Free Squirrel
Meet Nutley, an adorable squirrel who doesn’t let his nut allergy slow him down. Join him on his journey to stay healthy with the help of his friends! 100% of book proceeds will be donated to FARE
Bentley Goes to School: A simple story about staying safe with food allergies
As a loveable dog named Bentley approaches his first day of school, he begins to worry about being away from his parents and keeping himself safe due to his food allergies. This age-appropriate book was written to be incredibly simple to follow and to address not only a young child’s food allergies, but also his or her concerns about being away from family members for the first time. Because Bentley and his teachers know how to keep him safe, he successfully manages his way through multiple activities including snack time, arts and crafts, and recess.
Taking Food Allergies to School (Special Kids in School Series)
This beautifully illustrated and fun-to-read storybook simplifies and normalizes food allergies. When read aloud by counselors, teachers, a parent or caregiver, other children can identify why a peer may be treated differently and begin to empathize with them. In addition, children whose conditions set them apart as being different begin to feel accepted and safe. Book includes a Kids’ Quiz to refinforce new information and Ten Tips for Teachers to provide additional facts and ideas for teacher or parent use.
Why Can’t I Have a Cupcake?: A Book for Children with Allergies and Food Sensitivities
Rory loves cupcakes, but he can’t eat them because they make his tummy hurt. When he goes to his friend’s birthday party, he learns that he’s not the only one who has to avoid certain foods, and he has a great time at the party.
Aidan the Wonder Kid Who Could Not Be Stopped: A Food Allergy and Intolerance Story
He was a super hero with a furry sidekick. She was a secret mad scientist in the kitchen. But he was sick… and she was stumped. Can they work together to find out what is stealing his superpowers, and restore his boundless energy once again?
Meet Aidan the Wonder Kid and his Super Smart Detective Mom. When food allergies strike, they bond together to fight back. But can they win?
Kid’s Guide to Life with Food Allergies
This book discusses some of the challenges living with food allergies from a kid’s perspective. Providing ample educational information on how to navigate life with food allergies, this book helps kids and parents realized they’re not alone in their challenges and mistakes. Kids can understand why their bodies are freaking out, and better equip themselves to deal with social situations as well.
Tom’s Secret Agents: A Book About a Young Kid with a Food Allergy
Delightfully illustrated storybook about a boy who has some very strange things going on inside his body. Fun and imaginative, this story explains food allergies to young children. A great little book for those curious about allergies; including those that have them and those with a classmate, friend or family member with one. The story covers treatment and finishes with the importance of having an emergency bag close by.
No Peanuts for Pete
On the day of the Halloween party, Pete’s costume is all set, and he makes sure to bring his special epi-shot, just in case he needs it at the party. But as soon as he gets to the party and sees the party food, he locks himself in the laundry room! Why? Because Pete is allergic to peanuts, and all of the party snacks have peanuts in them! Can Libby’s mom find a way to keep Pete safe and help him enjoy the party?
The Princess and the Peanut Allergy
Regina has a huge, princess-themed, peanut-filled cake planned for her birthday party—that is until she learns that her best friend Paula has a severe peanut allergy. In this introduction to food allergies, Regina learns how dangerous an allergic reaction can be, and how she can best help a friend stay safe. With dimensional and bright illustrations, this book perfectly depicts the importance of respecting a friend’s needs.
Land of Not: Empowering Kids with Food Allergies
This book will “Inspire, empower and transform every child to understand their possibilities rather than define themselves by their limitations.” For elementary school children.
The Class That Can: Food Allergies
Join the excitement as Mrs. Can teaches her students about food allergies, friendships and the importance of having a CAN mindset. Fun, creative and positive, The Class That Can: Food Allergies will revolutionize how elementary schools introduce food allergies to their students.
The Not So Fishy Penguin
What’s a little penguin to do when his main food source makes him sick? He goes to find another one, of course! The journey won’t be an easy one, but in the end, he’ll find more than food, he’ll find that he was never alone. Although intended for children dealing with food allergies, this little penguin’s story will warm the hearts of all who read it.
The Allergy Adventures with Cari the Cupcake
In this delightful tale for children, an allergy-free cupcake embarks on an adventure through a sweet land to safely find her friends across the sea.
In addition to reading books, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) has this to say:
“Kids who have food allergies may feel that they are different because of it. Emphasize that there are millions of children and adults who have food allergies just like them—in fact, 1 in 13 kids in the U.S. has a food allergy.
Help them identify and connect with peers and role models with food allergies. Join an online or in-person support group. A group like this can provide advice specific to your community, such as suggestions for local restaurants, products and events. Search FARE’s support group directory for a group in your area.” source
Here is a listing of cookbooks for children with food allergies and their families:
