Marty's Nut-free Party

Marty's Nut Free Party by Katrina Roe, illustrator Leigh Hedstrom (Wombat Books)

HB RRP $19.95

ISBN 978-1-921633-36-2

Reviewed by Jacque Duffy

  

This book is suitable for pre-school aged children learning to read, older children and families. Marty's Nut-free Party is a fun looking book with colourful, clear illustrations inviting the reader to join the fun of the party.

The main character Marty loves going to parties. He is invited to all of them; he is always the first to arrive and the last to leave. That is until Marty discovers that peanuts make him sick, very sick. The story is well written and easy for young children to comprehend the dangers those children with allergies face and how easily they can find themselves in trouble. There is a extremely important message in this story wrapped in a very enjoyable read. The illustrations in this book are such that a non reader could understand the message in this story without it read to them.

Whilst reading this book to young children those parents (like myself) who have not come in contact with food allergy sufferers will now hopefully put more thought and care in the preparation of future party foods and school birthday cakes and lunches.

Even though this book contains a serious message reading this book together before lights out will be an enjoyable experience for the parent and the child. For Parents and Carers there are notes in the back of the book explaining more about allergies.

Jacque Duffy is the author and illustrator of the series ‘That’s not a …” learn to read books used in all Queensland State Primary Schools and one local history coffee table book.

www.jacquesartandbooks.com