The Best Food Allergy Children’s Books (from a dietitian and food allergy mom)
This post was inspired by my children’s book, “Be A Food Allergy Helper!” A Food Allergy Helper is a friend or family member that helps advocate for a safe and welcoming environment for those with food allergies. All of the opinions and reviews about the books are my own, based on my experience as a dietitian and food allergy parent. I did not receive any compensation from any of the authors or publishers included below.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with how to explain food allergies to your children? That was me after my youngest child had his first allergic reaction.
At the time, he was only six months old, but his older siblings were preschoolers and needed age-appropriate explanations. Even though I was an emotional mess, I could still appreciate how important is was to talk to my children about food allergies.
There were several food allergy children’s books (and this Daniel Tiger episode) that I found helpful for starting a conversation with my young family.
New to this page? Welcome! I’m Lisa, a registered dietitian and food allergy mom. I help families and individuals learn how to manage food allergies while nurturing a healthy relationship with food.
In this post, I’ll share my list of the best food allergy books for children that I recommend you read with your family. From learning about different food allergies to epinephrine auto-injectors, these books will help your child learn how to be a #foodallergyhelper.
Table of Contents
But first - where are the best places to find food allergy books?
Where to find food allergy books for children
There may not be many (if any) food allergy books in the monthly Scholastic book order or on the shelves at a big chain bookstore.
This is because many children’s books about food allergies tend to be self-published or hybrid published, which makes sense as it is a niche demographic.
But it does tend to make food allergy books just a little more difficult to find, unless you know exactly where to look. Three of my favorite places to locate food allergy books for children include independent bookstores, online bookstores, and local libraries.
Independent bookstores
Shopping at an independent bookstore is one way to help support your local economy. They also host local events, such as author signings or book club meetings.
Booksellers often dedicate shelf space to highlight local authors, which can include self-published books about food allergies!
If you would like to purchase a specific book from a local bookstore, make sure to have the book title and author, as well as the ISBN. An International Standard Book Number (or ISBN) is a unique identifier assigned to each form of a commercial book as part of the publishing process.
Independent booksellers can help you determine if a specific book is available on the shelves. If not, many local bookstores can help you place a special order request (which is where the ISBN can help).
Remember, you’ll never know if a local bookstore can accommodate a special request unless you ask!
Online bookstores
What’s the first place that comes to mind when you want to buy a book online?
Amazon.com is the “world’s largest bookstore” and offers millions of titles from traditional publishers, hybrid publishers, and self publishers.
Most of the children’s books about food allergies from this post are available in at least one format on Amazon.com.
But Amazon.com is not the only online retailer that sells books about food allergies! Here are some additional book stores that offer large selections and low shipping costs:
Libraries
While self-publishing has led to so many great children’s books about food allergies, it has also made it difficult to find these books in local libraries.
This is because libraries tend to purchase books from distributors, not publishers or authors. However, food allergies can affect children and adults from all walks of life, so it is crucial that we advocate to make food allergy books more accessible to everyone.
Some of the books featured in this post are available from wholesalers, which is where libraries purchase their books.
If you are interested in advocating for more children’s books about food allergies, here are some actions you can take:
Contact the children’s department or acquisitions librarian at your local library to determine if they accept self-published books for circulation.
Ask what the process is for requesting the library to purchase a book.
Complete the online or paper request form.
Another option is to donate a specific children’s book about food allergies to your local library. I shared the steps for how to give a self-published book in this previous post.
So without further ado, I want to share some of my favorite food allergy books for children, from my perspective as a dietitian and food allergy mom.
Children's books to learn about food allergies
Daniel Has an Allergy adapted by Angela C. Santomero
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. This television show has helped me navigate so many difficult aspects of parenting, including how to talk to my young children about food allergies.
I watched the episode Daniel’s Allergy/Allergies at School (Season 3, Episode 4) with my children after my youngest child’s first allergic reaction. It was so helpful to talk about the episode and compare the similarities (and differences) with their brother’s allergy.
Why I recommend this book: Daniel Tiger helps “normalize” allergies - it is estimated that 1 in 13 American children have food allergies. I like that he is allergic to peaches, which is not one of the nine most common allergens. And finally, Daniel Tiger is a role model for age-appropriate social-emotional strategies and introduces basic concepts using specific context and intentional word choices.
Suggested reading age: 2-5 years
Learn more: www.simonandschuster.com
Nutley the Nut-Free Squirrel by Stephanie Sorkin
Nutley helps young children understand that kids and adults can be allergic to different foods and have different symptoms when having an allergic reaction. This was a hard concept for my children to grasp. For example, why was their younger brother allergic to peanuts when Daniel Tiger was allergic to peaches? Also, why do they both start with “p”? And why did Daniel Tiger go to the doctor’s office instead of the hospital?
Why I recommend this book: I love that this book makes a point to introduce supporting characters that have different food allergies than Nutley. I also recommend this book because it highlights that kids with food allergies are so much more than the foods they can’t eat. Plus, this book gets bonus points for being written in a fun cadence with cute rhymes!
Suggested reading age: 2-5 years
Learn more: www.stephaniesorkin.com
Lucas takes his food allergies to Daycare by Megan Herr
Lucas takes his food allergies everywhere, including daycare! Follow along as he describes how he stays safe at snack and lunch times, birthday celebrations, and while playing with his friends. “My food allergies make me different from other kids, but that’s okay. They are a part of me and make me unique!”
Why I recommend this book: This board book is great for being held by toddler hands. I also love that this story speaks specifically to young children in daycare with food allergies. The author uses positive, age-appropriate language to describe how teachers and friends can help little ones with food allergies stay safe at daycare.
Suggested reading age: 1-4 years
Learn more: www.get-lucas-book.com
Food Allergy Conqueror: Ollie’s OIT Story by George W. Browne, M.D. with Jennifer Browne
This comprehensive story follows Ollie’s journey as he learns about and participates in Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). The book also includes a note for parents from allergist and author Dr. George Browne, as well as resources and frequently asked questions about OIT.
Why I recommend this book: The book would be a fabulous resource for any family contemplating or preparing to begin OIT for food allergies. I like that it touches on all the concerns, questions, and unknowns that a child might have before starting their journey. I also appreciate that Ollie is included in the decision-making process, and is never forced to do something he doesn’t want to do. I think this book is a great springboard for additional discussion for any family contemplating OIT.
Suggested reading age: 5-13 years
Learn more: www.blessyouallergy.com/oral-immunotherapy
Children's books for siblings or friends without food allergies
Be a Food Allergy Helper! by Lisa Woodruff
Yes - that’s me! Last year I wrote a children’s book to help younger children (especially friends without food allergies) learn how to become Food Allergy Helpers.
I also wanted to validate the feelings and lived experiences of siblings without food allergies. There are many emotions that come from witnessing an allergic reaction or navigating new rules and limitations surrounding food in the home.
Why I recommend this book: This book tells the story of a food allergy family from the sibling’s point of view. Food allergies affect the entire family, including any children without food allergies. It was important to me that siblings also receive validation of their lived experiences, emotions, and desire to help keep their brother safe. This book encourages all children to own the very important role of Food Allergy Helper.
Suggested reading age: 3-6 years
Learn more: www.lisawoodruffnutrition.com/books
Can You? A Food Allergy Story by Emily Duty
This is a fun, lighthearted story that shines a bright light on food allergy awareness. Maya notices a boy at a birthday party wiping his chair and eating his own food. Curious to learn more, she introduces herself and begins a conversation that ends with a new friend. The author just published her second book, How to Start a Food-Free Fun Club, which might also be of interest to food allergy families.
Why I recommend this book: Can You? encourages kids without food allergies to ask questions, learn more, and be accepting of those with food restrictions. I love that the character in the book has food allergies, but does not let this define him. He can also play, sing, climb, race, and more - just like his peers.
Suggested reading age: 4-8 years
Learn more: www.canyouafoodallergystory.com
Charlie Learns About Her Food Allergies by Katie Holl
Katie Holl is a fellow Iowan and an amazing food allergy advocate. Charlie Learns About Her Food Allergies is a wonderful story about one family’s journey with food, environmental, and pet allergies. You can listen to Katie’s journey towards writing a children’s book on Episode 02 of my podcast.
Why I recommend this book: In addition to being a great resource to teach friends about food allergies, this is also a great book for learning about food allergies or for children with multiple food allergies. The author tells a beautiful story that lets children with food allergies know they are not alone. This book also includes simple and practical ways to help children (both with and without food allergies) advocate for and include individuals with food allergies. I highly recommend this comprehensive book for upper elementary classrooms, school libraries, local libraries, and personal collections.
Suggested reading age: 5-10 years
Learn more: www.katiehollcreative.com
A Lesson for Every Child: Learning About Food Allergies by Sally Huss with Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
A Lesson for Every Child shares how Jack explains his food allergies to his new classmates and teacher. He answers many frequently asked questions about food allergies and their impact on his life as a child. The more Jack shares about food allergies, the more confident he becomes with his ability to advocate for himself.
Why I recommend this book: This book does a great job explaining food allergies in age-appropriate language. This simple yet powerful message can inspire children with food allergies to self-advocate and educate others. It also role models how classmates can respond with curiosity and compassion.
Suggested reading age: 5-8 years
Learn more: www.sallyhuss.com/kids-books
Children's books about epinephrine
EPI, You’re My Best Friend by Swapnil Patel
This board book (read: more durable for toddlers!) helps young kids understand the importance of epinephrine while becoming comfortable with taking it everywhere.
Why I recommend this book: The message in this book is simple yet impactful. My food allergy toddler loves to search for “Epi” in each picture as we read it together. I’m also beyond grateful for the role this book has played in helping us remember to bring “Epi” with us whenever we leave the house.
Suggested reading age: 1-4 years
Learn more: www.amazon.com
Epinephrine: A Superhero When Allergies Get Serious!
Do you have an child that wants to understand why epinephrine is so important and how it helps during a severe allergic reaction? This story joins Solomon as he learns about anaphylaxis, epinephrine, and what happens to the human body during an allergic reaction. The book also includes quick tips and resources for adults to learn more about epinephrine products, anaphylaxis, and food allergies.
Why I recommend this book: This is a great resource for a curious child that needs to understand the why and how questions regarding epinephrine. The book is written by a pharmacist and food allergy parent, and goes into specific (yet age-appropriate) detail about medication and the human body.
Suggested reading age: 6-10 years
Learn more: www.amazon.com
Children's books about peanut allergy or tree nut allergy
My Food Allergies by Amber DeVore
This book tells the story of Kieran and his family as they learn about his nut allergy. It provides practical steps that food allergy families can take to stay safe while maintaining a positive outlook.
Why I recommend this book: My family loved the age-appropriate, yet detailed information designed to help both children and their parents understand how to manage life with food allergies. I appreciated that the main character is able to experience emotions without judgment or correction from his parents. And in turn, the parents are open and honest about how their family will work together to keep him safe.
Suggested reading age: 4-8 years
Learn more: www.amazon.com
Katie Can’t Eat Nuts by Katherine A. Kise
Katie is a ballerina that also enjoys soccer and has a nut allergy. “Even if sometimes I feel different, I know I’m not alone. Lots of kids are learning how to figure out food allergies!” This book also includes a fun activities section to engage children with the beautiful illustrations from the story.
Why I recommend this book: Katie Can’t Eat Nuts does a great way of reframing a difficult or negative experience with a positive spin. For example, Katie can’t eat foods that have nuts, but she can eat many other yummy foods. I also recommend this book because we see Katie advocating for herself and friends with food allergies while simultaneously striving to define herself as more than a person with a nut allergy.
Suggested reading age: 4-8 years
Learn more: www.katherinekise.com/bookspublished
Are There Nuts in That? by Hanna Chung
This book introduces us to Logan, a young girl that enjoys all kids of food… except nuts. Logan understands the importance of asking if her allergens are in any food that is given to her. This story emphasizes the importance of food allergy awareness and teaching young children how to self-advocate.
Why I recommend this book: This board book has fun, bright pictures and a simple (but powerful) repetitive message: “Are there nuts in that?” This repetition is key to helping toddlers and preschoolers internalize how to question if a food is safe for them to eat. A must-read for any young child with food allergies!
Suggested reading age: 1-4 years
Learn more: www.haylobooks.com
Children's books about milk allergy
Manny the Mouse and His Dairy-Free Life by Tony Gable
This book is part of the Allergy Pals series, in which each of the books is dedicated to a character that has one of the top nine food allergens. Manny the Mouse is allergic to dairy (cow’s milk) and learns that he must be extra-careful when it comes to allergy-safe snacks at school.
Why I recommend this book: I appreciate that this book references the seriousness of a cow’s milk allergy, without dwelling on the reaction or over-emphasizing a traumatic event. I also recommend this book because it identifies the not-so-obvious food sources of cow’s milk, using age-appropriate and fun rhymes. This story ends by sharing simple ways that young kids with food allergies can stay safe.
Suggested reading: 3-6 years
Learn more: www.allergypals.com
Children's books about multiple food allergies
Austin’s Allergies by Erin Mandras
With a clever use of rhyme, these books tell the story of Austin, a boy just like everyone else. Austin’s Allergies describes how Austin is still able to do all his favorite things, but with a few adjustments in order to stay safe with food allergies. The second book in this series is Austin Goes to a Birthday Party.
Why I recommend this book: The artwork in this story is so interesting and unique for a children’s book that it helps to elevates the inspirational story told by a boy who is confidently living with food allergies. I also appreciate how the author encourages other children with food allergies to find safe ways to still enjoy the things they loved to do before their diagnosis. Austin’s Allergies is an especially great read for a child that is old enough to remember the time “before food allergies.”
Suggested reading age: 4-6 years
Learn more: www.austinsallergies.com
No, Renee, You are Allergic! By Renee Matthews M.D.
This book follows Renee as she learns about her food allergies and prepares to start elementary school. The simple, yet important statement “No Renee, you are allergic” is repeated throughout the book to emphasize the importance of not eating known allergens. The reader follows along as Renee learns additional ways to stay safe (and have fun) at school and birthday parties.
Why I recommend this book: This book does a great job emphasizing the hard stop that kids should not eat foods that they are allergic to. I like how Renee is able to advocate for herself while confidently educating her friends and classmates about food allergies. This book is especially great for children with multiple food allergies, including less common allergens outside the top nine.
Suggested reading age: 4-8 years
Learn more: www.askdrrenee.info
Daisy’s Days with Food Allergies by Virginia B. Heinsen
This story follows eight-year-old Daisy as she navigates birthday parties, sleepovers, and friendship with many food allergies. The book was written and illustrated by a high school student with multiple food allergies as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project.
Why I recommend this book: I like that this book was written by a student with multiple food allergies because it addresses some of the psychosocial impacts of living with multiple food allergies. The book also includes tips for children to stay safe and happy with food allergies. It also has a message for people without food allergies on how to be supportive and help keep friends safe.
Suggested reading age: 5-10 years
Learn more: www.amazon.com
Want to learn more about food allergies?
Remember, teaching our children how to independently manage their food allergies is one of our most important responsibilities as a food allergy parent.
Ready to start reading about food allergies?
Get your digital copy of my book, Be a Food Allergy Helper and you’ll feel more confident starting (or continuing) the conversation about food allergies with your family or classroom.
And if you buy a digital download during the month of May, I will donate one hardcover book to the public library of your choice (within the continental United States). Just make sure to include your local library during the check-out process.
Let’s celebrate Food Allergy Awareness Month together by making food allergy books more accessible to all children!
