You are Super, Penny!

Readers’ Favorite Review

Do you live with allergies and the fear that something you eat, or even touch, might make you very sick? In Candace Laskowski’s You Are Super, Penny! My Food Allergen Service Dog, a little boy shares his story about living with serious, life-threatening allergies. But he has someone to help, someone other than his mother. Penny is a food allergen service dog who can sniff out allergens and hidden dangers to make the world a safer place for her boy. A visit to the park may seem safe enough, but food residues left on a picnic table, or even on the swing, can cause a serious reaction and send the boy into an anaphylaxis shock. That’s why the boy calls Penny his Super Hero, because she keeps him safe.

Candace Laskowski’s picture book, You Are Super, Penny! My Food Allergen Service Dog, is a great resource for families with young children who have serious food allergies. Not only does the story share a special bond between a young boy and his dog, but it also teaches young readers the importance of being ‘super’ careful, not just for themselves but for others as well. The story is told in the first person from the little boy’s point of view. The plot develops at a good pace, and the language is simple and easy to follow, making it a helpful tool to improve reading skills. I love the superb illustrations by Audrey Suau: bright, bold, colorful, full of energy, and they certainly add another lively dimension to the developing story. Loved it!