ABOUT THE COMIC

Allergic Reaction is a 12-page, self-published comic about being a kid with severe food allergies. The comic is written and illustrated by a 7-year old named Stella, with an epilogue and recipe comic (for sun-butter coconut oat snacks) by her mom, artist Christa Donner. It's printed as a limited edition 2-color risograph booklet, folded and stapled at the kitchen table.

Christa and Stella originally created the comic as a way of working through some of the feelings that come with having severe food allergies, and to address questions they often get from other parents, teachers, and kids (What's going on in the body when there's an allergic reaction? Why should I wash my hands before we play? How do I know which food is safe?) The first printing was distributed to Stella's class during her first week of school, and received such a positive response that it is now available for order online. If you're in Chicago you can also pick up a copy at the wonderful Alley Cat Comics in Andersonville.

It's important to note that everyone's allergies - and their feelings about them - work a little differently. This book reflects Stella's personal experience, with some general allergy information and a recipe from Christa. It's meant to be a fun read and hopefully a useful tool to help spread allergy awareness.

If this is something you'd like to share with your community, please let us know! Right now we have a limited number of copies, but we can always make more. We'll have a PDF version available soon, too.