Children’s Books About Peanut and Tree Nut Allergies

Stories have always been an enjoyable and effective teaching tool.

Most of us can more easily recall facts and concepts when they are part of a good story.

Because one picture is worth a thousand of words, illustrated stories are a doubly effective way of sharing information. Here are nine illustrated storybooks that educate children, parents, and other caregivers about peanut and tree nut allergies.

Nine Stories About Nut Allergies

1. “Allie the Allergic Elephant” by Nicole Smith is a delightfully illustrated book written for preschool and first grade level children. Allie the elephant shares what living with a peanut allergy is like and explains how to say “No, thanks” to foods offered by other kids, or adults.
2. Another book by Nicole Smith, “Chad the Allergic Chipmunk,” educates children and caregivers about tree nut allergies.
3. Elizabeth Sussman Nassau and Margot J. Ott authored a book about an anaphylactic reaction to peanut butter during school. It is called “The Peanut Butter Jam,” and though written for children 4 to 8 years old, it is suitable for 9 and 10 year olds as well.
4. “The Princess and the Peanut Allergy” by Wendy McClure does an excellent job of explaining that even a tiny bite of peanut is dangerous for anyone with a peanut allergy. The story is charmingly illustrated.
5. To help children learn how to explain their food allergy to others, and the importance of having a food-safe environment, Jessica Jacobs wrote, “The Peanut Pickle.” This book helps kids manage tricky or awkward situations that can occur when someone has a life-threatening allergy to peanuts or other foods. This book includes a guide for parents helping their children cope with food allergies.
6. When young children are first learning about their allergy, reading them “Mommy, Is This Safe to Eat? A Guide for Preschoolers Allergic to Peanuts and Tree Nuts” by Christina Black can be a help. The book tells kids what is, and is not, safe to eat.
7. Christina Black also wrote a book about food safety with peanut allergies for children who are beginning elementary school. It is called “Starting School with a Food Allergy.”
8. “The Bugabees: Friends With Food Allergies” by Amy Recob is an imaginative, rhyming story of eight friends, each with a different food allergy.
9. Amy Recob’s second book, “The Bugy Bops – Friends for All Time” presents simple ways kids can prevent allergic reactions, and introduces children to epi-pens, the signs of an allergic reaction, and cross-contamination.