Spotlight of the Month – @glutenfreetravelstheworld.

This month I am so happy to announce my Spotlight of the Month, Jen Ritter. Jen is a strong advocate for coeliac awareness and has created a series of books about children with coeliac disease to help normalise this from a young age. I had the pleasure of meeting Jen at the Allergy & Free From Show in July, enjoy the blog and get in touch with Jen for any further information!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Jennifer Ritter, M.Ed., and I am a dedicated advocate for celiac awareness, a children’s author, and an educator with a strong commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity. Holding a Master’s degree in Education, I combine my extensive knowledge and experience to empower children, particularly those with celiac disease.

Having a celiac daughter and being gluten intolerant myself, I utilize my platform to raise awareness about the challenges of living with celiac disease. Through my thoughtfully written children’s books, I aim to cultivate empathy, emotional resilience, and understanding in young readers while encouraging acceptance of those with dietary restrictions.

My work not only educates but also inspires, offering support and strength to children with celiac disease and their families. Beyond my writing, I remain an ardent advocate, working relentlessly to foster a more inclusive, compassionate society for all.

2. Can you tell us about your journey being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease?

In 2021 I was told to get off of gluten 6 months before a colonoscopy, the worst advice! My results for coeliac disease were negative but I have the autoimmune marker but negative biopsy due to being off of gluten, so I am labeled “gluten intolerant”. I have been off of gluten since Jan 2022. My daughter exhibited the same symptoms a year later and was biopsied positive for celiac disease. This year my grandson has also joined the gluten free club due to his digestive problems.

3. What advice would you give others who have been recently diagnosed with Coeliac Disease?

My advice for those recently diagnosed with celiac disease is to take the time to thoroughly educate yourself about the condition. Keep a detailed food diary to track your meals and any gluten-related reactions, as the impact of gluten can vary from person to person. It’s also helpful to connect with a celiac or gluten-free community, whether in person or online, to share experiences and learn from others. These communities can provide valuable insights on safely navigating travel, dining out, and identifying potential sources of gluten in foods. When eating out, always ask open-ended questions about food preparation, fryer usage, and cross-contamination risks—avoid leading the conversation with the answers you hope to hear.. 

4. What inspired you to become a children’s author for those with Coeliac Disease and where can you find your books?

I wrote these books because I wanted to create resources that not only educate but also empower young readers living with celiac disease. I understand the importance of ensuring children feel seen and supported, especially in environments like schools, where navigating dietary needs can present challenges. These books are designed to do more than tell stories—they serve as tools to promote inclusion, foster empathy, and encourage understanding among peers and educators alike.

Through my writing, I aim to help children build confidence and resilience as they learn to manage their dietary needs. These books also serve as a means to spark important conversations, raise awareness, and create spaces where every child feels a sense of belonging. Whether in the classroom or at home, my hope is that these stories will inspire a sense of community, empower children to advocate for themselves, and help others better understand what it means to live with celiac disease. Ultimately, I aspire for these books to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and the families and educators who support them.

The Magical Cookie tells the heartwarming story of Claire, a young girl with celiac disease who feels excluded from her school’s birthday celebrations because she cannot enjoy the same treats as her friends. Faced with this challenge, Claire feels left out, but with the support of her father, she discovers inner strength, empowerment, and a creative solution for navigating celebrations that aren’t gluten-free.

This touching story highlights themes of resilience, empowerment, and the unconditional love of a parent. The vibrant, expressive illustrations beautifully complement the narrative, capturing Claire’s journey and making readers feel as though they are walking alongside her on her gluten-free adventure. The book is an uplifting celebration of finding inclusion and joy, even in the face of dietary restrictions.

Jacq Has Celiac is a story close to my heart, inspired by my experience as a teacher , it is about  children who face food restrictions due to celiac disease and food allergies. In this book, Jacq, a young girl with celiac disease, struggles with feeling left out during lunchtime at school. While her friends enjoy the same meals together, Jacq can’t eat the same foods and feels isolated and different. With her parents’ support and guidance, Jacq comes up with a creative solution that helps all her friends—whether they have food allergies or other dietary needs—feel included and connected during their shared lunchtime.

This is a story about empowerment, kindness, and the power of friendship. It shows how even when we face challenges, we can find ways to bring people together. Through Jacq’s journey, I hope to inspire young readers to embrace empathy and celebrate the things that make each of us unique.

The illustrations, full of bright colors and playful creativity, perfectly capture the warmth and joy of Jacq’s journey. I hope this story will bring a smile to children and families alike, while also sparking important conversations about inclusivity and support for those with dietary restrictions.

5. What advice do you have when eating out with Coeliac Disease?

 Ask open ended questions when out to eat about fryers, food prep, etc. Do not lead them with the answers you want to hear. Read menus, ask about preparations and sauces. Be respectful but be your own advocate by asking those questions. If you don’t feel comfortable eating there, politely excuse yourself and move on. (I have!)

THANK YOU!

A big thank you to Jen for being my Spotlight of the Month for January. If you would like to buy Jen’s book they are available on Amazon and can be found using this link here –  https://a.co/d/hUPaCzO.