The Duck Who Couldn't Eat Snails

BOOK: 30 page full colour picture book ideal 3-6 years.- by Aneleise Michelmore (Author), Noor Zaki (Illustrator)

Dolly the duck is invited to a birthday party, but she is too afraid to go; she has a food allergy - she is allergic to snails. Dolly must decide whether the party is a safe and fun place for her to play, and her friend helps her to unpack a fear of her allergy. Dolly eventually feels her allergies are understood and the party becomes a safe place for her to play.

This cute and charming story is aimed at children aged 0-10 years old and highlights the everyday challenges children with food allergies face. This book creates a space for conversation about the impacts a food allergy can have on the wider family. Using child friendly language and illustrations, the seriousness of food allergies is conveyed, whilst telling the story in a fun rhyming way. This book can be used as a resource for educators and parents to help raise awareness of food allergies and their impacts and promote a sense of inclusion for children with allergies.

This book is perfect if you've been searching for a resource for your pre-school or school aged child who might have a sibling, a friend or a family member with a food allergy. It can help them to understand the impact of eating foods have for the person with the allergy, as well as the anxiety and nervousness that goes along with having a food allergy. For many families, one or more of the children might have an allergy to something - food, pollen, insects etc., and this book tries to promote inclusion and bring awareness to the commonality of food allergies.

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.