You Are SUPER, Penny!: My Food Allergen Service Dog by Candace Laskowski (Author) and Audrey Suau (Illustrator)

This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here.

You Are SUPER, Penny!: My Food Allergen Service Dog, written by Candace Laskowski and illustrated by Audrey Suau, is an important, informative, and joyful picture book. You Are SUPER, Penny! tells the story of a young boy who has food allergies serious enough to cause medical emergencies. The young boy narrates the story and talks about how he, Penny, and his mother go through a typical day. Despite it being a normal day, Penny performs extraordinary feats that prevent the mother from having to use an epinephrine injection on the young boy.

You Are SUPER, Penny! deftly teaches readers about the seriousness of food allergies. Author Laskowski also easily explains complex medical terms by providing clear and understandable definitions. Laskowski also addresses how, while food allergies can be scary for both the child and the caregiver, there are ways to manage them. The most highlighted way in this book is, of course, a service dog named Penny. Laskowski confidently explains Penny’s tasks and how people should treat Penny, or other service dogs, when they see her in public. Altogether, Laskowski has crafted an easy-to-follow story that highlights both how serious food allergies can be and how they can be managed.

While I have been emphasizing the importance of the book’s text, I do not want to suggest that the book is without charm. Although the primary takeaways, for me, were educational, I also enjoyed the process of learning. The simple schedule for the family’s day made the story easy to follow and thus easy to understand the educational aspects of the book. Additionally, the relationship between Penny and the boy she cares for is sweet, and the boy’s confidence in being super (with his cape and all) is delightful.

Illustrator Audrey Suau has done a wonderful job crafting the artwork for this picture book. In each two-page spread, there is a hidden ladybug. Hiding this little ladybug is a detail that will keep young readers engaged, as they can keep their eyes out for it. Beyond the ladybug detail, though, Suau’s overall artistic style is sweet and lovable—which helps emphasize the nature of Penny and the boy’s relationship. Finally, the amiable nature of the artwork adds to the welcoming message of You Are SUPER, Penny!. The illustrations clearly help highlight the strengths of the text.

I highly recommend You Are SUPER, Penny! as both an easy teaching tool for young children about the seriousness of food allergies and the importance of preventative actions (even including a service dog), as well as the story of a meaningful relationship between a boy and his service dog.

You Are SUPER, Penny!: My Food Allergen Service Dog by Candace Laskowski (Author) and Audrey Suau (Illustrator), Independently Published