• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Free From Farmhouse

Family, food and allergy free adventures

  • About Us
    • Work with me
    • Contact me
  • Allergies
    • Food allergy support
    • Resources
  • Family
    • Travel
    • Days out
    • Living with cancer
  • Recipes
  • Reviews & Giveaways
You are here: Home / Allergies / News and comment / Interviews / Books / Allergy book review & interview: James and the Big Battle

Allergy book review & interview: James and the Big Battle

January 14, 2015 by Emma Leave a Comment

I have been wondering how I am going to teach J about his allergies so I was excited to read the illustrated book “James and the Big Battle”.

james cover

It is written by a mum and her family affected by multiple allergies.

James fights his allergens in a video game only to find he has the tools and team he needs in real life to stay safe. It is a simple and uplifting story that can help to empower children dealing with this difficult condition.

The comic book style illustrations are very appealing to youngsters and the punchy, rhyming text is easy to follow.

Food allergies and anaphylaxis affect the whole family so Jen Burns decided to harness that experience in a positive way by working together on the book.

Burns' Family
Burns’ Family

“My son Chris and I were talking about how cool it would be to have a video game in which he could “fight” his allergens. I have written a few other kids’ books and so it was natural for the conversation to turn into ‘Let’s write a book about that!’” 

But it soon became a whole family affair, with everyone lending their talents to the project.

 “My oldest son, Bobby, is a film-maker and offered to make our book trailer. Chris and his brother, Nate, voiced the video. My husband, Mike, designed our cover and edited our book. My oldest daughter, Kati, did the illustrations using Chris’ original sketches for inspiration.”

james sketches

Chris is allergic to nuts, peanuts, coconut, soy, cats, and dust mites and started having reactions when he was a toddler.

“We had to use an epi pen on him around the age of 4. He was old enough to remember and now, at almost 10, still talks about it with deep emotion.”

Writing the book has helped Chris deal with his own allergies.

“I know he is thrilled each time I tell him positive feed back we get from another family reading it. Another child who read and liked it. Another kid who realizes he also is not alone! He and I do a “happy dance” or high five each time!

Jen thinks the book is also a great way for parents to talk to their non-allergic children about being a support to in their circles affected by severe life threatening allergies.”  

“I have loved hearing the stories of kids reminding their parents that they need to wash their hands, or not eat a particular thing around their allergic friend.”

James and the Big Battle is a great way to open the conversation about food allergies and help make the topic a little less frightening. 

Buy your copy of James and the Big Battle HERE

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Did you enjoy this post? Please share it.

Filed Under: Books, Books, Giveaways, Interviews, Reviews

Previous Post: « Sausage and bean casserole (dairy free, egg free, garlic free)
Next Post: Free From Fridays -15th January 2015 »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

I'm Emma, mum to two allergic adventurers and author of #1 bestselling 'Living With Allergies: Practical Tips For All The Family'.

We show you how to embrace life as an allergy family, while staying safe and sane!

Ask me any questions at emma@freefromfarmhouse.co.uk

Follow us!

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Youtube

COMING SOON…

COMING SOON…

How to create allergy cards with Marty’s Universe

Create your own card here

 

FEATURED ON:

This Morning

https://www.freefromfarmhouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Emma-Amoscato_Living-With-Allergies_ITV-This-Morning_4.4.19.mp4

BBC News 24

https://www.freefromfarmhouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BBC-News-Emma-Amoscato.mp4

AS SEEN IN:

AS SEEN IN:

Footer

Tweets by @freefromfarm
Visit Emma's profile on Pinterest.

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress