Navigating the world with celiac disease can be challenging, especially for kids. Being different in any way is difficult and when school activities, birthday parties, sports celebrations or playdates involve food, it can be isolating.
Having a book like Colleen Brunetti’s Aidan the Wonder Kid helps to create understanding and acceptance. It enhances the conversation you can have with your child. A child with food intolerances, allergies or celiac disease can identify with Aidan. He is a strong kid who runs, jumps and plays but has days where he doesn’t feel well and has struggles to figure out what food will help his body. I know my son has had these ups and downs and like Aidan, is cheered greatly when learning that others share his need to eat right for his body. This book can help kids feel less alone. Your children will also love the creative drawings by illustrator Dan Carsten that bring Aidan to life.
Colleen has made it easy to have a larger conversation with your child’s school. As an educator and Certified Health Coach, she has created a Common Core Curriculum to go with the book. This makes it easy for teachers to incorporate the important lessons of Aidan the Wonder Kid into their classroom. Colleen is also available to do author visits to schools and speak to healthcare related audiences.
May is a month where we celebrate Celiac Awareness and Food Allergy Awareness. It is also around this time where many schools have teacher appreciation week. A great way to celebrate both awareness and teachers, is to participate in Colleen’s LOVE Teachers Event where you can buy Aidan the Wonder Kid at a discounted price, one for yourself and one (or more!) for your favorite teachers.
Colleen is not paying me for this review. I truly love this book and what it means to kids who feel isolated due to challenges with food. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Colleen at one of Gluten-Free New England’s amazing Gluten-Free Expos (she and I are both contributors to Gluten-Free New England). Thank you, Colleen, for creating Aidan the Wonder Kid! A great way to start a conversation about celiac disease, food allergies and intolerances. If you would like to see Colleen, she will be at the upcoming Boston Children’s Hospital, Celiac Kids Connection educational event, “Celiac Smarts: Awareness for Kids and Families” on May 11th at the Waltham, MA Campus of Children’s Hospital. You will be able to order her book and the kids can enjoy story time and a craft with Colleen as part of the days’ activities. For more information about the event, please visit: https://www.celiackidsconnection.org/event/celiac-smarts-awareness-for-kids-and-families/. The Boston Children’s Hospital Celiac Kids Connection (CKC) is a great non-profit organization that brings families with children who have celiac disease together (I’m a little biased because I’m on the Board). Like Aidan, CKC helps kids to not feel alone in their struggle.
Everyone knows someone who has celiac disease, a food allergy or a food intolerance or knows a teacher who could use this resource. Go buy the book, go see Colleen at an event or have her come speak to your school or library! Read Aidan the Wonder Kid!
What a cute book! It’s great for kids to see these kinds of stories, and build an understanding of what celiac disease is. Thanks for sharing this!
This looks like a cute book and a great way to talk to kids about food allergies.
I have so many friends with celiac disease. I am so glad there are more resources for them.
This looks like a truly special book for children with food allergies. We’ve dealt with food sensitivities with our oldest, it was a very difficult time for all of us. He could not have eggs, dairy, or wheat for a handful of years and is still sensitive to these foods. He would have loved this book when he was younger!
That sounds like it’s a super fun book. Definitely one my nieces would enjoy with me!
I love the graphics of this book
I love that someone had the idea to write such a book. I have wondered what kids with Celiac disease go through (my friend’s son has it) and this book will surely help kids and parents.
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I love the idea of a book that is for kids that is specific to them. Will have to check this one out soon.
This looks like a great book! I’ll have to look at it for my nephew.
I am sure our older son would love reading this book
It sounds like a great book for kids, schools, and even parents! What a great way to spread awareness and understanding of Celiac disease and food allergies.
I LOVE this! This is a really good idea for kiddos.
I love the illustrations in this book.
I’ve never seen a kid’s books that talks about food allergies, and yet it’s so common in our kids these days. Such a great and educational book – my kiddo would love it. Also the art is so cute as well!