The Peanut-Free Cafe - Hardcover

Gloria Koster is an Albert Whitman author.

K-Gr. 2. Many kids know how deadly a peanut allergy can be (1 in 20 children are affected). This story brings the situation home and provides some welcome information for those unfamiliar with the malady. Simon likes four foods: grapes, bagels, purple lollipops, and peanut butter, and there's nothing else in his lunch box. One day, Grant comes to Simon's school, and his peanut allergy necessitates his sitting alone during lunch. The principal tries to come up with a plan so that kids will join Grant, but it's Simon's idea to turn Grant's table into something fun. Thus the Peanut-Free Cafe is born, complete with movies and crafts. Simon, however, is not among the participants; he doesn't want to give up his peanut butter, the price of admission to the cafe. In the end, of course, Simon extends his menu (to include chili) so he can join the group, giving a nice twist to an everyday problem. The cartoon-style art is fun, with some moments of exaggerated drama, as when Grant demonstrates what would happen to him if he ate just one peanut. An appended note adds further information. Ilene Cooper
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