Books for Children
Be A Food Allergy Helper!
Rebel and Sam are two kids that like to eat ice cream, play at the park, read books, and watch baseball games. But when their younger brother Luca has an allergic reaction to peanuts, their family must learn what foods he can eat and how to keep him safe.
Rebel and Sam find out they can still eat food with Luca's allergens, as long as they are careful to keep him safe. They also learn that sometimes they can't do things the way they used to, but there can be new ways to have fun.
Food allergies affect the entire family. This book will help siblings (and friends) without food allergies understand their experience as part of a food allergy family and learn how to embrace their role as Food Allergy Helpers.
Find in a library near you!
Iowa
Cedar Falls Public Library
Cedar Falls, IA
Waverly Public Library
Waverly, IA
Want to add a library to this list?
About the Author
Lisa Woodruff, RDN is a registered dietitian and food allergy mom. Her youngest son had an allergic reaction to peanuts when he was just six months old. Soon after he was diagnosed with peanut and egg allergies. Lisa wrote this book to help siblings without food allergies process their experience and learn how to embrace the role of Food Allergy Helper.
About the Illustrator
Olive Phan, also known as YAZZIEWONPHON, is an Iowa-based freelance printmaker and textile artist with a drawing and videography background. She has made several appearances in group and solo exhibitions around Iowa galleries and digital spaces. In addition, Olive enjoys sustainable fashion and learning about the ocean.
What people are saying:
You are loved and special too.
“I just read this book to my kids. My daughter said ‘Mom, I’m a food allergy helper!’
This book is one that every food allergy family should own! As a fellow dietitian and food allergy mom, the message in this book hits home. Caring for food allergies is a family affair and something that everyone can be involved with in an age-appropriate way.
The author wove excellent tips into a storybook that can be read to children to help them learn about life with food allergies. This is an excellent children’s book that I hope will soon be in classrooms, doctor’s offices, and stores. Food allergy advocacy and knowledge is important not only for adults, but kids too!”
— Katie Driessens, RD, LDN and Owner, Dietetics with Driessens
“Oftentimes I struggle with kids’ books that focus on big topics. They either end up being too high-level or missing the point entirely.
“Be A Food Allergy Helper” breaks that mold. It is clearly written for a younger reader with simple language and fun illustrations, yet it manages to portray the important realities of families with food allergies.
It’s both a fun and informative book that my 2 and 4 year old enjoyed. As a Registered Dietitian who regularly works with children with food allergies, this has become a valued tool in serving those families.”
— Stephanie Brimeyer, Pediatric Dietitian
“This is a great book about food allergies for children. It explains in simple terms what allergies are, what precautions need to be taken, how to eat yummy things despite allergies, and so much more. It emphasizes that if you have allergies, you are ok. In fact, you are better than ok. You are great! Great book for any school or home library.”
— Barbara Braley