Food Allergy Book Review: Marty's Nut-Free Party

Newly released: Marty's Nut-Free Party

Lots of you ask about good children's books that deal with food allergies, so I'm happy to be able to recommend a newly released children's food allergy picture book: Marty's Nut-Free Party by Katrina Roe. With both a kid-friendly story and food allergy facts and information for caregivers, this is a great addition to your peanut allergy parenting bookshelf.

Ms. Roe, a Australian writer and mom to a child with a peanut allergy, has created a charming story about a spunky little monkey named Marty. Marty has a peanut allergy and he loves parties. Unfortunately, Marty keeps running into foods that land him in the hospital. The hospital visits are not handled in a scary way, but in a way that is matter-of-fact and reinforces to children that they must avoid certain foods.

One of the things I liked best about this book (and that my daughters liked--of course they read it, too) was that it discusses the issue of how foods become cross-contaminated. At one party, Marty picks off the "peanut sprinkles" but again winds up in the hospital. Avoiding even trace amounts of food is important and is often misunderstood, so I'm glad that the author covered this aspect of peanut allergies.

Katrina Roe, left, at her book launch. Fun fact: Marty's fur was inspired by the author's wonderful red hair!

Eventually, little Marty learns to advocate for himself and decides to host his own peanut-free party. Marty's friends would rather hang out with him than eat peanuts or peanut products and I liked this aspect of the book, too. Marty worries that no one will want to come to a peanut-free party, but his fears turn out to be unfounded. I know that a lot of our kids worry that food will get in the way of friendship, so again, I'm glad the author acknowledged this issue in an upbeat way. On a personal note, I've found that most kids will want to accommodate their friends and do not mind giving up a food just for a few hours. Books like this can help non-allergic kids understand their friends' concerns, so it would be a good choice to read to a classroom.

The holidays are coming up and Marty's Nut-Free Party would make a nice gift for a young child struggling with peanut allergies. Plus, "Marty" provides parents with  a non-threatening way of opening up some good discussions about staying safe, following the doctor's rules and speaking up for yourself when you have food allergies.

Click this link for information on buying Marty's Nut-Free Party and don't forget to "like" the author's Facebook page.

And if you're looking for guidance on managing birthday parties and life in general with severe nut allergies, I hope you will check out my e-book, The New Nut-Free Mom!