About This Book
Reach for this book when your child has recently been diagnosed with a food allergy, or when they are struggling to feel like they belong after a health-related lifestyle change. This story follows Delores, a cheese-loving mouse who discovers she is suddenly allergic to her favorite snack just as the Everything Cheese Festival approaches. It perfectly captures the sense of loss and isolation that can accompany dietary restrictions. While the premise is lighthearted, the emotional core is deeply validating. James Howe uses humor and charming animal characters to normalize the grief of missing out. It is a wonderful choice for children aged 4 to 8, offering a hopeful message that while life may look different now, joy and friendship remain fully accessible through creative adaptation and supportive peers.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with chronic health restrictions and the loss of a hobby or habit. The approach is metaphorical (mice and cheese) but the medical reality is direct. The resolution is realistic: the allergy does not go away, but the character's perspective shifts toward a hopeful, inclusive future.
