Cleo's Allergic to Birthday Parties

BOOK: 36 page full colour picture book ideal 5-11 years.- by Annie Walsh (Author) - Paperback Format

Does your child have food allergies?
Birthday parties are meant to be full of laughter and cake—but for kids with food allergies, they can bring both excitement and anxiety. Join Cleo as she navigates the highs and lows of being invited to her friend Daisy’s birthday party.

Cleo is allergic to:

• Eggs
• Tree nuts
• Dairy

That makes Daisy’s sparkly Princess cake more of a problem than a treat. Cleo feels left out, knowing she can’t join in on the cake fun with her friends. But her mum steps in with a plan—one filled with care, creativity, and safe snacks so Cleo can still enjoy the party.

Along the way, Cleo meets Tom, who’s allergic to gluten. Together, they discover they’re not alone—and that friendship and fun don’t need to revolve around food.

Cleo’s Allergic to Birthday Parties is a heartwarming story that helps kids and parents understand what it’s like to live with food allergies, how to stay safe, and how to support others with kindness and inclusion. A perfect read for families navigating allergies or teaching kids about empathy and care.

Annie Walsh lives in Glasgow with her husband and two daughters. Her ambition was to be five foot seven but she’s only just a whisker over five foot. That whisker is very important to her. She’s had what’s described as a slash-career. She likes the term "slash" as it seems more appropriate for writing her murder mystery books.

Annie has worked in several different industries—automotive, public, manufacturing, media, and creative. Her most important role is as a mother to her two girls. Her youngest daughter has many allergies to foods, furry creatures, and pollen. This was the inspiration for her children’s books about a little girl with life-threatening allergies and the many challenges she faces.

Annie started a local business-to-consumer magazine, which led to digital marketing services. Over the years, she has written many articles for the magazine, copy for adverts and website content. She enjoys writing for fun and is planning on publishing mystery novels soon.

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.