Celi The Gluten Free Dough Buddy

A fun and engaging children's book that helps kids understand celiac disease, gluten-free living, and the importance of feeling confident in who they are.

Join Celi and the Safe Snack Squad on an adventure filled with friendship, learning, and encouragement!

understanding me

Celi the Gluten-Free Dough Buddy was created to help children feel seen, supported, and included as they begin their gluten-free journey. Through a playful, child-friendly story, Celi helps kids understand what celiac disease means in a way that feels safe, relatable, and empowering.
This book was inspired by real-life experience and the gap many families face after a diagnosis: not enough child-centered resources, and not enough simple tools to help parents explain a complex condition.
Inside, families will find more than a story—they’ll find a starting point for conversation, confidence, and connection.
Created by Crystal Drennon, licensed psychotherapist, mother, and founder of Celi Safe, this book is part of a larger mission to support families navigating celiac disease with education, advocacy, and accessible resources.
Because children deserve to feel safe, confident, and included—and parents deserve resources that make the journey feel clearer, calmer, and less overwhelming.

When a child is diagnosed with celiac disease, everything changes—not just what they eat, but how they understand the world around them.

What’s the Story?

A Word by the Author & Founder

My hope is to sprinkle a little more confidence into every child's gluten-free journey and a little more peace of mind into every parent's day. I want every child to feel safe, confident, and proud of who they are, while giving parents practical, easy-to-use resources that make everyday life feel a little less overwhelming. Through Celi Safe, I'm building a place where learning is approachable, support is always within reach, and families can discover helpful tools, creative ideas, and a welcoming community. Above all, I hope to bring education, encouragement, creativity, and a sprinkle of joy to families everywhere, helping kids shine with confidence and parents worry a little less.