The Princess and the Peanut Allergy

March 1, 2009
K-Gr 2-Regina can't wait for her birthday party, especially since she plans to have a fabulous castle cake made out of giant brownie bricks. Then her best friend tells her that she can't eat any of it because of her peanut allergy. Regina doesn't understand why Paula can't pick out the peanuts, and the two girls have a big fight, resulting in Regina uninviting her friend. The birthday girl has a change of heart after listening to the "Princess and the Pea" and decides that the cake can be made without peanuts. The story, while helpful for illuminating food allergies, is a bit pedantic, and it seems unlikely that Regina would be unaware of her best friend's allergy. The cartoonlike watercolor illustrations are attractive, but do little to elevate the unimaginative story. The book concludes with a note from a pediatric allergist. This title may be useful for teachers who happen to have students with food allergies and need a resource for other members of the class.Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2009
Preschool-G As Regina tells her best friend, Paula, about her upcoming birthday party, their excitement builds: its going to be a princess party; theyre going to play Space Dragons; the castle cake will be built of brownie bricks. But when Paula, who is allergic to peanuts, learns that the brownies will have peanuts in them, the two girls quarrel. Regina doesnt want to give up her dream cake, while Paula knows that it could land her in the hospital. The next day, Regina reflects on the problem and finds a solution. Illustrated with colorful paintings, the story clearly presents each girls point of view and emotions. An appended note addresses parents and friends of kids with food allergies. Though clearly purposeful, this picture book could be a good way to open a classroom discussion of severe food allergies. Pair it with Kosters The Peanut-Free Caf' (2006), another picture book on the topic.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)