Gordy and the Magic Diet – A Book Review

While at the Gluten-Free and Allergen-Free Expo in Chicago last week, I had the pleasure of signing books alongside Kim Diersen and April Runge, co-authors of the children’s book Gordy and the Magic Diet.


While we were there, I witnessed many elementary school-aged children reading the book – and when they did they didn’t want to put it down. They could relate to Gordy, a child who had “monsters” in his tummy until he went on a “magic diet.” The book is appropriate for early readers as well as to be read aloud by parents.

It’s the first book of its kind that I have seen that focuses on how the child feels – we are inside Gordy’s head throughout the story. We are also inside his tummy, where various ailments cause him to feel and behave badly. (Sound familiar?)

Gordy’s magic diet is never spelled out, nor is his particular illness – he could be a child with celiac disease, food allergies, EoE, or any variety of other autoimmune conditions or intolerances triggered by food. It’s a book that all parents of children with food restrictions and children with food restrictions will relate to.

The book itself has a magical feel with sparkling stars on the cover surrounding a food-triumphant Gordy. Carrie Hartman illustrated the book. The authors donate a portion of the proceeds to non-profits that help children navigate restrictive diets. Visit Gordy and the Magic Diet to order.