An absolute must-have for families with a youngster who is allergic to peanuts, September 14, 2005

    An estimated 1% of the U.S. population is allergic to peanuts and/or tree nuts. The Peanut Pickle: A Story About Peanut Allergy combines the gifted storytelling of Jessica Ureel (the parent of a child with a severe peanut allergy) with the charming color illustrations of Elizabeth Brazeal. It tells the story of a young boy who is allergic to peanuts. Peanut allergy is a very serious condition; not only must he avoid eating peanuts or any food with peanut ingredients, but he cannot even touch peanuts or he will swell up with hives and become very sick. For this reason he cannot be around other kids if they have sticky peanut butter on their face, or are eating snacks with peanuts. He knows he must not eat food unless it has an ingredient label that adults have checked. It is important for him to speak up and tell others he has a peanut allergy. "My peanut allergy is a part of me. It goes with me wherever I go. And that's okay. People who care about me want me to stay safe and healthy. I care about myself, too." The Peanut Pickle describes many situations in which a potentially life-threatening exposure to peanuts can and must be avoided by speaking up, finding alternative foods, or even alternative activities. A final page offers rules for kids with peanut allergy and their parents to follow, such as "Carry your Epi-Pen with you at all times" and "Do not eat food if you don't know what's in it". An absolute must-have for families with a youngster who is allergic to peanuts, and a useful educational resource for teaching all children about food allergies.