Marty's Nut-Free Party

BOOK: 32 page full colour picture book ideal 3-9 years.- by Katrina Roe (Author), Leigh Hedstrom (Illustrator)

Introduction

Marty’s Nut-Free Party is a story about a cheeky monkey who loves to party. Unfortunately, Marty finds out he is allergic to peanuts and parties are no longer fun or safe for Marty. Marty and his friends have to find a way to make their parties safe and fun for everybody.

This book is relevant to all children with food allergies, not just those who are allergic to peanuts. It teaches the child how to manage their food allergy, but more importantly it will be a good resource to help allergic children and their families educate their extended families, friends, teachers and carers as to how to take good care of children with food allergies. Marty’s Nut-Free Party focuses less on the pragmatic side of peanut allergy and more on the social issues it raises.

For young children, birthday parties are the highlight of their year, but they can also be very stressful for allergic children and their families. It is hard to have fun when you always have to worry about what you put in your mouth. Also, as young children are messy eaters, with little hands dipping in and out of food bowls, the potential for cross contamination is enormous.

As the mother of a peanut allergic child, Katrina Roe wrote this book to help other families understand what it is like to be the allergic child who is often left out at birthday parties and Easter Egg hunts because the food isn’t safe for them. The author feels that while the child’s health and safety is primarily the responsibility of the child and their family, life is so much less stressful when others go the extra mile to accommodate the needs of the allergic child. The same principles can be applied to other children with special needs, whether they have a disability, autism, learning difficulties, ADHD, etc.

Story Summary

Marty loved to party. However, parties became difficult for Marty after he found out he was allergic to peanuts. Marty’s doctor told him he couldn’t eat peanuts anymore, but Marty found it hard to accept. Why was the doctor being so mean? When Marty’s friend Emily had a birthday party, all the other animals were eating peanuts and they kept offering them to Marty.

It was hard to say no. Finally he could stand it no more. ‘I’ll just have one,’ Marty thought. ‘Mum will never know.’ The next day Marty woke up in hospital. Mum told him he could not go to another party until he had learned to say ‘no’ to peanuts. Marty missed out on Little Lion Luke’s birthday party and Zac the Zebra’s Easter Egg hunt. Then Gemma Giraffe had a party. Marty and Gemma begged his Mum to let him go. Marty was very good at the party and only ate the special nut-free foods his Mum had packed for him. Then when the cake came out, it was covered in peanut sprinkles. Marty began to cry. Gemma Giraffe said she would pick off all the peanut sprinkles for him. Marty gobbled down the cake. The next day, Marty woke up in hospital. There must have been a trace amount of peanut left on the cake. (This teaches children about ‘traces of nuts’.) Finally the next party was Marty’s.

Marty and his Mum decided to throw a nut-free party. They will make it the best party ever, so that nobody will notice there are no nuts. 3 Marty’s Nut-Free Party Wombat Books Katrina Roe www.wombatbooks.com.au All Marty’s friends came to the party and had a great time. Everybody said it was the best party ever, even if it was nut-free. Marty’s friends realised their parties just hadn’t been the same without Marty. Gemma suggested they should make all their parties nut-free so Marty could safely enjoy them too. It just wasn’t a party without Marty!

Source: www.wombatbooks.com.au

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.