Karen Fine
"How I Eat Without Wheat" is a picture book for toddlers and young children who have diets that restrict them from eating gluten and wheat. The book uses rhyming text and entertaining illustrations to tell the story of a boy who takes a positive approach to his change in diet and restores his health.
After my 22 month old son was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2003, I was unable to find any toddler-age book that would help me explain to him that everything was going to be alright. We did not want him to go through life thinking that just because he had a different diet than some children, it did not make him any less "normal." There are plenty of children on special diets for different reasons and I emphasized at home "not to make a big deal." He's now thriving thanks to the new products on the market from increased awareness about celiac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies. A change in diet has changed our lives and I hope to inspire other young children to live happy, healthy lives.
About the Author
Karen Fine is an avid writer and has been published in several trade magazines and newsletters. "How I Eat Without Wheat" is her first children’s book, and the first in a series she has created to help children be inspired to live a healthy lifestyle.
Her oldest son was diagnosed with celiac disease in March of 2003 and since then she has conducted extensive research to learn more about how to help educate young children on how they can live a normal life. Her two young sons and four nieces keep her very involved in children’s activities and interests. She enjoys spending time reading to her sons’ preschool and nursery classes and volunteers regularly to help with classroom activities.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and commercial art and an MBA in Computer Resource and Information Management. In between earning her two degrees, she flew search and rescue helicopters as a pilot in the U.S. Navy for nine years. She remains active in the Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant Commander.
I give a big grin, say "no thank you" and then I am sure not to make a big deal. We've all got something, you see, and there are more kids like me, who can't eat somethings with their meal.
