ParentingDiabeticKids.com

About the Authors: Richard and Rania Morrill are the proud parents of two boys, Damien and Dylan. They are entrepreneurs and run their own business. Their son Damien was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on May 4, 2004. During the initial time of diagnosis, many new terms were introduced to the family and all of a sudden "carbohydrates" became a subject of talk and discussion at every meal. The authors received their inspiration for the book when they over heard Damien ask Dylan during breakfast one day "Dylan, how many carbs is a booger?" After much laughter over the question, Richard and Rania realized that in the midst of seriousness during the onset of diabetes, there needed to be something funny. That's how they became authors of this book. This book is intended to help kids with diabetes. But in a time of health awareness and struggles with weight issues, it is also intended for all kids who are trying to learn to make healthier choices (and grown ups too). Richard and Rania are committed to doing their part in finding a cure for diabetes. So, a portion of the proceeds form the sale of this book will be donated to research that is committed to the same cause.

The story illustrates a mother and daughter using creative problem solving. The girl is fairly confident with her usual diabetic management, but goes to her mother for advice on how to deal with special situations. The mother enlists the help of the girl's grandmother and teacher. Together they make plans that allow the girl to participate in the Halloween festivities and enjoy a few sweet treats without compromising her diabetic control. She exchanges most of her treats for money, and keeps a few of her favorites for when she has a low blood sugar emergency. The family also emphasizes that many of the fun, social parts of Halloween can be enjoyed whether or not one is eating all the same things as one's friends. Ages 4-8.

I think that the Halloween plan in this book might work well for many children with diabetes.

Carol Watkins, M.D.

This is a children's book that teaches basic skills of diabetes management and empowers children to take part in their diabetes care. Children are encouraged to contact Danny, the main character and share their stories. This is the first book in a series that educate about various issues related to living with Type 1 Diabetes. Being diagnosed with diabetes is life changing and there are many challenges that come with this diagnosis. Danny has been created to help give new perspective to those challenges so children can meet them with strength and perserverance. Written by a certified diabetes educator, parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes, and child of a parent with Type 2 Diabetes, Michelle A. Dart, MSN, PNP, CDE created this book to give children a voice. Everyone has a valuable story to be told, including children. Information for children to contact Danny is within the book. A portion of the proceeds from this book is donated to the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Friendly pictures with lots of color are used to tell the story of Lara, a little girl with diabetes. Lara tells all the things she does that regular kids do -- run, swim, dance -- and she talks about her insulin pump and doing blood tests. If you have a young child, 4-8 years old with diabetes, Lara's story will help them understand that they're not the only kid in the world with diabetes. 

When kids find out they have diabetes, they often have questions about what it is and how they got it. It’s Time to Learn About Diabetes is an entertaining and easy-to-use guide that and explains diabetes in simple terms, showing school-age kids how to help take care of themselves.