I Can't Have That, I Have Allergies

BOOK: 32 page full colour picture book ideal 2 - 7 years.- by Katie Kinsella (Author), Vicky Kuhn (Illustrator)

All the animals in the woodland are excited for the upcoming party, but unfortunately, Hedgehog can’t attend. Why? Because he has food allergies, and he knows that attending the party could be dangerous. Unlike the other animals, who don’t fully understand why he can’t join in, Hedgehog feels left out and disappointed. But one of Hedgehog’s kindest friends, Deer, decides to help. She’s determined to learn more about Hedgehog’s food allergies, and she soon comes up with a thoughtful plan to ensure Hedgehog can safely join the celebration, too!

I Can’t Have That, I Have Allergies is a heartwarming, sensitively written story by a mother whose daughter lives with life-threatening allergies. This story offers a gentle introduction to the challenges of food allergies, helping children understand their severity and how to protect those who suffer from them. It also reassures kids with allergies that they are not alone and that it’s possible to enjoy life and social activities safely.

This book is a wonderful resource for both children with food allergies and their friends, family members, and peers. It fosters empathy, awareness, and inclusion, providing a valuable lesson on how we can all work together to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

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.