You, Me & Food Allergies children's book

Aim

Help educate and empower children with food allergies, with the first illustrated non-fiction book, backed by Allergy UK.

Support children with food allergies

Food allergies are on the rise, with up to 1 in 13 children now dealing with one and hospital visits for anapyhlaxis increasing by 72% for children in the last 5 years. 

Yet there isn't a detailed, non-fiction picture book available to help educate and empower children, their friends and caregivers on the subject.

So I've decided to write one!

I am the author of Living With Allergies: Practical Tips For All The Family and mum of two young children with multiple food allergies. 

'You, Me & Food Allergies' is the book I couldn't find for them. It will provide clear explanations, beautiful illustrations and practical advice, clinically reviewed and backed by Allergy UK.

It's so important that children, their families, friends and schools understand how to manage allergies effectively. 

With your support, we can bring this book to life and help children with food allergies stay safe and included at home, at school and throughout their lives.

About The Book

You, Me & Food Allergies is an illustrated children's book aimed at 3-7year olds. It explains all aspects of food allergies in a clear, factual way with beautiful illustrations and practical exercises.  

The book will cover:

• What food allergies are
• Symptoms and reactions
• Testing and diagnosis
• Food challenges and reintroductions
• Anaphylaxis and adrenaline injectors 
• Staying safe
• Starting school and pre-school
• How friends and family can help
• Dealing with worries

All information will be applicable internationally (ie. no emergency numbers or brand names) so we can help educate children worldwide.

The book will be supported by online resources and some pages will also be available as downloadable posters to use in multiple settings. 

Where will my money go?

The crowdfunding will support the writing, development and illustration of the book, clinical review and initial production costs.

It will also fund copies for schools and allergy clinics, alongside printable online resources including posters, activity packs and teacher and parent support pages. 

Further funding will produce more resources, events and training for schools and families. 

About The Author

I am a writer and mum to two children with multiple food allergies.

When my son had an anaphylactic reaction at 15 months old, the anxiety of keeping him safe became overwhelming.  I used my background as a national features journalist to start researching and writing about allergies on my blog www.freefromfarmhouse.co.uk

Last year, my book Living With Allergies: Practical Tips For All The Family was published. I have appeared across the media on the BBC, ITV and LBC radio raising awareness about allergies and been featured in The Times, The Sun and New Scientist. 

My two allergy adventurers are my inspiration and I am determined to help them live a full and inclusive life. At 4 and 6 years old, they are confident in talking about their allergies, asking about ingredients and educating others on anaphylaxis and adrenaline injectors.

I hope this book can help many more children feel informed and empowered, and be a practical resource to share with their friends, schools and caregivers.

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This project successfully funded on 6th April 2020