Life can feel so much harder when food allergies and intolerances stop you from safely enjoying food, especially when you’re a little kid. Children don’t always understand why their friends at school or their family members can eat certain foods and they can’t, which can be socially isolating.
Many allergies can also be life-threatening, so it is important to teach children about them at an early age so they can understand just how careful they need to be, whether they themselves have an allergy or someone they know does. Food allergies can sound scary, but learning about how to live with them doesn’t have to be.
If you’re looking for materials that will help your child understand food allergies and how to feel about them, allow them to see themselves represented in a book, or teach you safe recipes and tips for helping your child navigate their allergies, check out these helpful books and online resources below.
Picture Books on Gluten Intolerance:
A Gluten-Free Birthday for Me! By Sue Fliess
I’m a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog by Michal Babay
The Gluten Glitch by Stasie John
Eating Gluten-Free with Emily: A Story for Children with Celiac Disease by Bonnie J. Kruszka
Picture Books on Peanut Allergies:
The Peanut-Free Café by Gloria Koster
The Princess and the Peanut Allergy by Wendy McClure
No Peanuts for Pete by Christina Roderick
Picture Books on Other Food Allergies:
Daniel Has an Allergy by Angela C. Santomero
The Bugabees: Friends with Food Allergies by Amy Recob
Books for Parents of Children With Food Allergies
Guides:
Kid’s Guide to Life with Food Allergies by Kai Brown
My Kids Can’t Eat That! (EBK): How to Deal with Allergies & Intolerances in Children by Christine Bailey
Safe Recipes:
Allergies, Away!: Creative Eats and Mouthwatering Treats for Kids Allergic to Nuts, Dairy, and Eggs by Frances Park
Eat Like a Dinosaur: Recipe & Guidebook for Gluten-free Kids by Paleo Parents
The Food Allergy Mama’s Easy, Fast Family Meals: Dairy, Egg, and Nut Free Recipes for Every Day by Kelly Rudnicki
Fearless Food: Allergy-Free Recipes for Kids by Katrina Jorgensen
Online Resources:
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
“Best Food Allergy Online Support” – MyKidsFoodAllergies
– Haley, Youth Services Assistant