Ben & Izzy's Story - Living With Anaphylaxis

BOOK: 32 page full colour picture book ideal 9-11 years.- by Andy Glynne (Author)

This powerful and eye opening picture book uses the first-person testimony from two children, Ben and Izzy, who both suffer with anaphylactic allergies. Izzy describes what anaphylaxis is and what it does to your body. Together they describe the different ways it influences their daily lives.

Using the children's real first-person testimonies creates an intimate and direct tone that help us to empathise with the people's differences. Both circumstances are easily relatable to children; they talk about school, family, friends, holidays and birthday parties.

The BAFTA award-winning stories were originally produced as animations for the BBC. Aimed at children aged 9 and up, these powerful and evocative stories have now been captured in book form as rich, visual testimonies of the impact an illness has on a child's daily life and how they cope and are able to enjoy the life that they have.

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.