It can be scary and frustrating when a child’s body reacts in ways they have no control over and it can be distressing when children are unable to eat or do things that their friends can. Sharing stories about difficult situations can put a child’s mind at ease and make things easier to cope with and more understandable.
Cloud Busting
by Malorie Blackman
A story about bullying, friendship and the hazards of a peanut allergy. Told in verse.
Age: 9+
A No-Sneeze Pet
by Diana G Gallagher and Adriana Isabel Juarez Puglisi
Emma really wants a pet to cuddle, but there is a problem. Her mum is allergic to animal fur. Her friends Kyle and Mia are determined to help her find the perfect no-sneeze pet.
Age: 6+
Emmy’s Eczema
by Jack Hughes
Emmy knows she shouldn’t scratch, but sometimes she just has too. Fortunately she has good friends to help her feel better.
Age: 3+
Charlie has Asthma
by Jenny Leigh
Simple story of Charlie the cheetah who is diagnosed with asthma and given advice and help to cope with it.
Age: 5+
Blessu
by Dick King-Smith and Adrienne Kennaway
Blessu is a little elephant with a big problem – he has terrible hay fever.
Age: 7+
A Dog Called Whatnot
by Linda Newbery and Georgie Ripper
Tim really wants a dog. There’s only one problem – his sister. She’s allergic to animals.
Age: 5+
Zack has Asthma
by Jillian Powell
Straightforward account of a child dealing positively with asthma.
Age: 5+
Max the Champion
by Sean Stockdale, Alexandra Strick and Ros Asquith
Max is mad about sport and thinks about it all the time. Max also has asthma – his inhaler is on his bedside cabinet when he is in bed and he uses it during the course of the school day. This inclusive picture book shows people with disability as part of the everyday environment. The clues are often subtle, but that’s probably why it works so well.
Age: 5+
Useful Organisations
Asthma UK:
Independent UK charity offering advice and support
Anaphylaxis Campaign:
Helping people with severe allergies live their lives.
Hampshire Libraries 