I was so excited to see this book because I LOVE to bake. When we found out about our children's food allergies, we started baking a lot more so that they could enjoy the same foods as others, but in a safe way.
About the Author
Rebecca Greene, MSW, LMSW, is the mother of a child with multiple food allergies, a licensed social worker, and the author of a new children’s book called My Perfect Cupcake: A Recipe for Thriving with Food Allergies. My Perfect Cupcake is the debut title in The Fearless Food Allergy Friends series. Each book features a different main character coping with one of the top eight food allergies. Rebecca was inspired to create this series based on her son’s food allergy journey.
What Inspired You to Become an Author?
I had published traditionally in the past (nonfiction books) but always wanted to write a children’s picture book. I have always loved writing and was an English major in college. It has always been my dream to write meaningful books that make a difference.
Why This Book?
When my son was first diagnosed with multiple food allergies, I searched high and low for children’s books to read to him. I wanted to find children’s books about food allergies that would help explain what food allergies are and help him understand the condition. Surprisingly, I found that there are very few children’s books on this topic. I decided to write the book that I wished I could find. I was so inspired while I was writing this book that I decided to turn it into a book series called The Fearless Food Allergy Friends. Each book features a different main character coping with one of the top eight food allergies. I am currently at work on book #2 in the series.
What Have You Enjoyed Most About Writing and/or Publishing?
I loved the creative process of working with my illustrator and seeing my words come to life on the page with her beautiful illustrations!
What is Something That Has Surprised You During Your Book Publishing Journey?
I didn’t realize how complicated the entire book publishing process would be. When you self-publish a book, you wear all the hats and have to deal with all the details on your own. But as I completed each step in the publishing process, it became less overwhelming.
What Advice Would You Give to Aspiring Authors?
Make time in your schedule to write. You might need to schedule it on your calendar, but make time for it each day. At first it’s hard when you have a blank page and aren’t sure what to write, but if you work on your writing a little each day, you will make good progress.
Book Description: Dylan loves fresh baked cupcakes more than any other food in the world. But one day he tries a new cupcake flavor from his neighborhood bakery and has a sudden allergic reaction. When told that he cannot safely eat bakery cupcakes anymore, Dylan faces a new challenge. With unstoppable determination, he bakes amazing, allergy-safe cupcakes in his own kitchen—with a lot of messy fun along the way!
(Katie) Cover Review: The cover reminds me of us in the kitchen! There's always a good mess to clean up. The cover is inviting and I love the character and illustrations. I don't necessarily think of food allergies when I see the cover, but I think that also opens it up for others to want to read it as well (curiosity!), which is a great thing!
(Kids) Cover Review:
(7-yr-old): I like the mess, but I really want that cupcake!
(Katie) Story Review: I really loved that the author took one specific subject and walked the reader through what it's like having food allergies and having to adjust. She did a great job giving the reader a full picture, from reaction and diagnosis to elimination and social events. I also enjoyed that she shared Dylan's emotions; "food allergies aren't fair". That is something my oldest very much related to and feels as well, so it's nice to see a story validate her feelings. I loved the tenacity of Dylan working to make the perfect cupcake as well as including others in his class that have other allergies. Overall, this was a great story that not only educates about food allergies, but illustrates mind over matter and that you can still participate and have what you want - it just may look a little bit different and you may have to do it yourself.
(Kids) Story Review:
(7-yr-old) My favorite part at the beginning was him going to a bakery. I liked when he was baking and making a mess and getting the batter on the cat. I like to bake, too. I like at the end that the little girl was holding the cupcake he made. I like that the book was about someone like me and that the teacher had a list of everyone who had allergies. I think this book would be good for people who don't know a lot about food allergies.
(5-yr-old): I like the cat and the cupcakes.
(Katie) Overall: My oldest (7.5) enjoyed this book the most because she related to it the most. She does love to help in the kitchen and of course loves cupcakes. I thought the story was very well written and included great food allergy information without it being overwhelming. I also appreciated addressing a school event as that is a very common difficulty and source of anxiety for those managing food allergies. BONUS! It has a top 8-free cupcake recipe in the back, which I thought was brilliant. It's a great resource for those in the beginning stages of managing food allergies as well as those without food allergies who would like to make a safe treat.
OVERALL RATING:
Interested in adding My Perfect Cupcake to your library? Book details and where you can find it are listed below!
Title: My Perfect Cupcake: A Recipe for Thriving with Food Allergies
Author: Rebecca Greene
Publisher: Self-Published
Details: Ebook, Softcover and Hardcover, 44 pages, fully illustrated
Suitable for ages: 3 - 7 years old
Currently available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, all major book retailers
Website: www.rebeccagreeneauthor.com
Instagram: @rebeccagreeneauthor
Facebook: @Rebeccagreeneauthor and @Fearlessfoodallergyfriends