Review: Oscar's Lunchbox

Oscar has a food intolerance. Well, actually, he has several. But that doesn't stop him pining for the multi-coloured pre-packaged food in the lunchboxes of his school mates. Oscar's lunches make him 'stand out'. He's different. He just wants to fit in and be like everyone else.

But he simply can't.


In a world where food intolerance is an ever-increasing risk, and indeed, a deadly risk in some children, this timely book is not only perfect for encouraging children to accept and honour their need for a monitored diet - it is an eye-opening tale for children who may not understand why their school friend can't eat pre-packaged cookies or peanut butter sandwiches.

Author Pam Houssenloge writes from an experienced perspective. Her youngest son has suffered food intolerance since infancy, and this hands-on mother has since immersed herself in the subject of food and its effect on children - their health and their behaviour.

By writing Oscar's Lunchbox, Pam hopes to encourage all families, not only those with food intolerant children, to learn more about how food affects our bodies - and to listen to the messages our bodies send us when we eat certain foods.

In Oscar's Lunchbox, young Oscar learns all about these messages. Which foods make him feel good? Which ones make him feel bad? Which ones fuel his body and make him run like a well-tuned race car?

A warm tale of a little boy and a loving family who just want him to be healthy and happy, this is an ideal book for schools and day care centres, and could be used beautifully in a classroom setting.

See wellconnectedkids.com.au for more.

Title: Oscar's Lunchbox
Author: Pam Houssenloge
Illustrator: Ana Hanson
Publisher: Well Connected Kids, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2011
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780980669701
For ages: 5+
Type: Picture Book