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You Are Super, Penny! My Food Allergen Service Dog serves both as an encouraging narrative and as a valuable resource for families navigating similar challenges. The engaging illustrations vividly bring Penny and the surrounding characters to life, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

Candace Laskowski has crafted a meaningful and informative story that shines a light on the realities of living with severe allergies while introducing young readers to the important role service animals can play.

This heartfelt book is an excellent addition for children seeking reassurance, understanding, and inspiration in the face of medical challenges.

Candace Laskowski’s YOU ARE SUPER, PENNY!: My Food Allergen Service Dog makes the complicated subject of nut allergies accessible for preschool and early elementary-aged children, as their world (and the people they meet) expands. The delightful illustrations by Audrey Suau complement a narrative that doesn’t overcomplicate or dumb down the severity of this life-endangering issue or the importance of Penny’s superpowers as a service dog.

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.

“I loved Penny because she is like a superhero dog! She helps keep her friend safe

and the pictures are so cute.” — Ava, age 7

“This book made me learn about food allergies and how dogs can help people.

Penny is the best dog ever!” — Liam, age 6

“My favorite part was when Penny sniffed the food to help. I want a dog helper

too!” — Sophie, age 8

“The story was really sweet, and I liked the bright pictures. Penny is brave and

smart.” — Noah, age 6

“I didn’t know allergies could be so dangerous. This book helped me understand

and I loved reading it with my mom.” — Ella, age 7

“Penny is a real hero dog! The book was fun and made me feel happy and caring.”

— Mason, age 8

“A heartwarming and educational story that helps kids understand food allergies, friendship, and

the amazing role of service dogs through the lovable hero, Penny. A FINALIST and highly

recommended!”

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!