About the Book
New friends are energizing, but when a sudden complication surfaces, do you stay or walk away? The children’s book, Gia and Lincoln’s Aggravating Allergies, carries a positive message for young readers, especially those coping with allergies.
Gia, a helpful monkey, springs into action when she finds a dejected lion, Lincoln, beneath her shady tree. She learns that he’s allergic to meat, but loves bananas! They become fast friends. But soon Gia discovers a new fact about herself–she’s allergic to fluffy lions. They resolve to overcome this aggravating obstacle to their burgeoning friendship. Lincoln’s zany attempt to cheer up Gia results in a serendipitous twist, revealing a way this banana-loving duo can remain friends after all.
“As a life-long allergy sufferer, I was self-aware that my numerous allergies set me apart from other kids,” says the author, Rowena Cala. “In today’s society, it’s more common to have allergies or to know someone who does, and to help avoid allergic reactions.”
Due to the increase in allergies among children, allergy awareness is now a mainstream health topic. However, few picture books explore this subject in a refreshing way. In Gia and Lincoln’s Aggravating Allergies, winsome dialogue and expressive illustrations underscore the excitement of meeting a kindred spirit, of gladly embracing imperfections, and of making adjustments to accommodate a special friend.
About the Author
Rowena Cala is a non-profit fundraising professional in Atlanta. She lives in Snellville, Georgia with her husband and two young daughters. This is Rowena’s first children’s book. Visit the author’s web site: www.rowenacala.com.
About the Illustrator
Gabriel Vega is a professional graphic designer with a degree from the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design. He lives in Augusta, Georgia.