Eating Gluten Free with Emily

Although I have been able to check out a variety of books pertaining to Celiac Disease through the inter-library loan program, our local library didn't carry a single childrens' book pertaining to CD.  So, I submitted a short list (4 books) to the childrens' librarian and asked if she might be able to purchase them.  Suzanne happily obliged.
He deserves to be able to go to both his local and school library and find books that he can identify with.  It's so important for children to know that they aren't alone and there are other kids out there - just like them!
The first to arrive was Eating Gluten Free with Emily by Bonnie J. Kruszka, a picture book for kids ages 3-7.  My son will be 7 in August so I was looking forward to sharing this book with him and hearing his critique.  Of course, I previewed the book before sharing it with him.  Emily's story mirrored our own journey and brought a tear to my eye.  I think almost every young child with CD will easily be able to identify with Emily.  The language of the text is age appropriate and easy for young children to understand.  The full color illustrations complement the story beautifully.  After reading, Eating Gluten Free with Emily to my son, I asked for his critique.  He looked at me with a huge grin on his face and declared, "I liked it a lot!".
Every young child with CD should have a copy of this book.  Every elementary school classroom with a child with CD should have a copy as well as this book so that they can feel empowered and can identify with other kids just like them.  The addition of this book to a classroom can serve as a wonderful tool to help peers and classmates understand why their friend doesn't always eat like they do.