It’s not every day that you find a resource book that both parents and children can read for valuable information about celiac disease. Katie Chalmers has achieved this with her unique picture book, Mommy, What Is Celiac Disease?

After a child’s celiac diagnosis is made, there comes the inevitable talk when Mommy, Daddy, or both must explain what this means and how it will change their family. Mommy, What Is Celiac Disease? depicts in unique illustrations and creative dialogue, full of unique similes that children will connect with, this crucial conversation between a newly diagnosed celiac girl and her Mommy. Not only does the book fully describe the disease, even defining gluten, and explain the gluten-free diet and the lifestyle changes it requires, but it also exudes an optimism, giving parents an example of the positive attitude they should take with their kids.

The book is not only a valuable resource for celiac kids and their parents, but for other family members, friends, teachers, school administrators, and more.  It explains the disease in an informed way without complicated and scientific jargon, earning the praise of various celiac experts and writers.

Katie Chalmers not only authored the book but, a freelance graphic designer, she illustrated it as well. Shortly after being diagnosed with celiac disease, one of her twin daughters tested positive, and Chalmers made sure to explain the disease clearly and in a positive light. Her picture book does just that and ensures that other parents will be able to follow in her successful footsteps.

I highly recommend this book for anyone with a celiac child in their life. I am also very pleased to share her delightful website http://www.katiechalmers.com where you can easily purchase the book.

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

b.a.

Some people accomplish extraordinary things. When they do, it’s nice to recognize them and applaud them for their accomplishments. Tina Turbin is one of those people. She’s well known by many of you because of her involvement in the celiac community.

Who is Tina Turbin?

Tina is an activist in two main fields: 1) She actively works to make improvements in children’s literacy and education, and 2) She works diligently to raise awareness about celiac disease. She speaks regularly on these topics on national radio shows and writes articles and columns for a wide variety of publications and websites. You can learn more about Tina at http://TinaTurbin.com.

Why the “Congratulations!”?

Tina wrote the award-winning children’s picture book Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy. iSTORYTIME (the iPhone App Developer for Dreamworks) has recently signed to turn the DVD of this book into a children’s book app. This production is unique because its the first of its kind to have sign-language interpretation added for the deaf to assist this under-served population.

Imagination Publishing Group President Alan Wayne said, “I’m pleased to say that this is the first of many apps to be created through iStorytime for the Danny the Dragon series.” Profits from the sales of the Danny the Dragon DVD are donated to the Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf. Learn more about her books, DVD, and what she does to help celiacs at her website.

Congratulations Tina!

Connie Sarros

www.gfbooks.homestead.com

GLEE, which stands for “gluten-free,” written by Elizabeth Atkinson, was initially sparkled by the fact that the author’s daughter, Bridgette, was heading off to college where she would have to take care of herself and her gluten-free needs in the dorm, eating on campus, and eating out off-campus. Elizabeth wanted to create a guide or manual which could ease this transition.

In reading this book I knew any young adult presented with this book would carry it around as if they had a friend guiding them day by day. Elizabeth writes this book page by page, in perfect sequence, little by little giving vital information, to the perfect finale, teaching cooking, then well-researched references and many other books.
Had I been diagnosed with celiac disease as a child and I could only take one book as I was off to college, after having reviewed over the twenty books to my name, I would without a doubt choose Elizabeth Atkinson’s book, GLEE! On the other hand, I have three children in their twenties, and I would hand this very book to my child or any child, gluten-free or not, heading off to college or the independence of adulthood.

Elizabeth writes simply, keeps the subject light, yet communicates what needs to be understood and applied. This is a very well-written book, and I’m happy to know this is a resource. This was one of the most enjoyable reads on celiac, due to HER sense of humor.

This resource book is given a thumbs up and is HIGHLY recommended by me.

Tina Turbin

www.glutenfreehelp.info

Lauren is a gluten free teenager, with a passion for good food and a care in her heart for those in Haiti!

“After all, that is what this is about: selling ebooks to donate money to Haiti. All proceeds will do to the Red Cross.  The Canadian Red Cross that is.  You see, I am Canadian so it only makes sense to donate to this one.  Also, it has been in Haiti for many years, so they will be able to use the funds to help as in the best areas possible.  And here’s the really important part: the Canadian Government will match all donations received by February 12th, that are marked for Haiti Relief (as I will be doing to these).  They are matching donations made by individuals as well as those made from fundraisers for Haiti (like this ebook) by schools, businesses, social groups (that is what I believe we are, as blogging is a community of people, in this case coming together around food), etc.”

Lauren started it all in January 2010: ”I don’t know how long it will be, or how much work it will take, but it will happen.  Relief is being sent there in bundles now, and in a few weeks, they will still need clean food and water.  Medical support will still be saving lives. Currently, some of the “big” bloggers are getting together to make a cookbook, but I’m sixteen.  With that said, if you’re a blogger, send me your favourite, most loved recipe that makes you feel at home with an email subject line of “Haiti Ebook” to mail at celiacteen. com.  Please also include a picture!  The recipe does not have to be gluten free.  It can be a baked good, a meal, a breakfast, a treat, anything.  Whatever it is though, make sure it makes you think of home.  They lost theirs, so a comforting dish is the best way in my eyes!”

The project is complete- Help support Lauren’s Cause.

http://www.celiacteen.com/2010/02/haiti-ebook.html

Tina Turbin

Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet is a cookbook offering a clarification to and simplification of the grain-free diet and its health benefits. It also clarifies some specific points regarding the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and offers some well-researched and documented history and evidence concerningthe diet.

Bestselling authors Jodi Bager and Jenny Lass met one day while on a trip to meet with then author Elaine Gottschall, creator of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and started talking recipes and food. They soon collaborated and found that their individual styles complimented each other perfectly.

Jodi says her style is simple and she’s a mom and on the other hand Janet is more scientific and a medical writer. They even like opposites. Jodi prefers family meals and recipes to serve her kids, while Jenny has a bit of a sweet tooth and loves ice cream—hence, the basis of a wonderful assortment to not only satisfy the palate, but an array to fill the many basic needs from breakfasts to dinners, desserts, and kitchen staples, all with a great homemade taste.

For anyone wanting to absorb the premise behind the SCD, this is the book for any reader. You are presented with just what you need to grasp the concepts. I, for one, now understand Elaine’s original book as a result of Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet’s well-written explanations.

The recipes produce without a doubt top-of-the-line, high-quality foods. (Try the cashew butter cookies—with almond flour!) They are packed with nutrition thanks to Jodi’s interests and loaded with “yum” thanks to Jenny.

Don’t forget to watch my video of the JK Gourmet food and book review by clicking here.

Please read more about JK Gourmet at http://www.glutenfreehelp.info/review-food/gluten-free-food-review-jk-gourmet/

Tina Turbin

Bestselling first book

Delicious recipes for healthy living

Everyday Grain-Free Gourmet by Jodi Bagers and Jenny Lass

Not only does the showcase feature my own personal insight about the book, but it also includes a lovely response towards the book from a well-known celebrity. 

Click here to read the showcase.

Thank you, 

Tina Turbin

Celiac Disease and 18 Month Old  Leah!

A new mom, feeding journals, diaper journals, sleep schedules… all trial and error! Leah’s precious life started with a week in the NICU, but as a fighter she bounded out and has been that way for her six dear years. Leah never delayed her eating and loved noodles, bread, cookies and of course her fruits and vegetables. However, Leah seemed to have one cold after another, Eczema and vomited every so often. Again as a new mom, nothing seemed odd just part of the development course. At 18 months, however we realized that her shape was that of a bird and a food deprived child with an extended abdomen. Our pediatrician indicated her weight was declining rapidly and she was diagnosed with “Failure to Thrive”.

Obviously fear struck (don’t look up Failure to Thrive) we quickly tried to find what the cause was. Fortunately, two family members had heard of Celiac Disease and mentioned it to us. Having an amazing pediatrician, he requested a blood test which was an immediate indicator of Leah’s issues. Soon after Leah endured an endoscopy and received the diagnosis of Celiac. In just three months we went from scary to diagnosed.

Ok, so what now? Daunting! As a new mom and truly not a person who enjoys cooking, the challenge was on. We were on a mission, what was Leah going to eat, how were we going to establish a “typical” lifestyle for her, what resources were available? Needless to say we began our education process and we had tremendous support from our family. Once gluten free Leah’s health improved tremendously and rather quickly. Leah is an amazing child and has taken responsibility for her nutrition and diet, always asking if there is gluten in the item or just declining gracefully. We take great strides to make sure Leah fits right in to any food situation by contacting party hosts to see what food is served, we are in constant communication with teachers and we have open conversations with her about the food she will eat and why it might look different. As a positive being gluten free is a healthy alternative and the world today has become more aware of what it is to be gluten free.

For parents of newly diagnosed children I say take a deep breath and take it one step at a time! Become informed and join a local ROCK (Raising Our Celiac Kids) group online if possible. Know it is overwhelming at first, but there are some great resources. Try to make an event, holiday, or food based situation about the event and not the food!  Having Celiac is challenging, but manageable.

Lauri

This year has been an amazingly rewarding year for myself and my children’s book series Danny the Dragon.

I’m very pleased to announce that the first book in the series entitled Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy won 2nd place in the children’s category of the AZ Literary Contest and Book Awards of 2009!  This is an exciting time for us.

Above is an adorable stuffed animal that a Danny the Dragon fan created to depict the children’s character that we know and love.  We have quite the fan club!  Learn more about my Danny the Dragon children’s series, by visiting the mentioned links.

Keep this in mind for any children that you may be shopping for this holiday season!