Review of "Once Upon a Peanut" & a Giveaway!

One thing I have tried to instill in both of my children is a love of books. So, when we read a book about peanut allergies, Tyler absolutely loves it!

Recently one of the readers of this blog sent me a copy of her book "Once Upon a Peanut...: A true story..." that she wrote about her own daughter's peanut allergy. When we got it in the mail, both of my children were so excited! (My youngest doesn't even have PA!) They insisted the wanted to read it as soon as possible.

That night we read it and we all loved it. The story went right along the lines of many of the conversations we have about Tyler's peanut allergy.

The big question when we read something like this is always, "Did Tyler like it?" In a word, "Yes!" In fact, he thanked God for the book during his nighttime prayers that night. To me, that says it all!

A Synopsis of the Story:

The story starts out with the narrator's diagnosis of a peanut allergy in first grade. It goes in depth, on a child's level, about the symptoms a peanut allergy brings. She talks about taking her own treats to parties. In fact, she even enjoys that part!

In the end, the story talks about how the peanut allergy does not limit her from everyday life. She still rides her bike and acts in the school play. It is just one aspect of her life that makes her special.


My Analysis
The story is told in the first person so it makes it easy for any child to easily be able to relate. The "I" and "me" are so important in this allergy.

Her description of bringing her own treats to to parties, "It's really turned out to be pretty neat" was priceless. Bringing your own treats can be a good thing (better food!) and this quote shows that.

Amazon states this book is for 9-12 year old children. I disagree with that. Tyler is 4 and he understood the book completely. The only thing that was a little unsettling was talking about "vomiting." While it is a bit "gross," it must be mentioned because it is a very real part of the allergy.

In addition, there is also a special 4 page section at the end of the book for parents and caregivers. It has invaluable advice for anyone new to the allergy. Sort of a PA101 that everyone needs to know, whether you live with PA or not.

I encourage every peanut allergic child to have at least a few books in their library about their allergy. It not only helps them feel "special" but also is an avenue for educating others. This book is a great choice. For others I have reviewed that this can be paired with, click here.



Giveaway!!
Author, Marlene Whelahan, has agreed to give one of my readers a signed copy of this book! To enter in the contest, please leave a comment telling me why you want to win. Also, leave your email address so I know where to contact you in case you win.

For additional entries, promote this giveaway on Facebook or "tweet" about it on Twitter. When you do this, please come back and leave an additional comment telling me where you promoted it. That will give you an extra entry and an even better chance at winning this great book!

The giveaway will end at midnight on Monday, October 19. The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be announced on Tuesday, October 20.