Kate Petty, illus. Charlotte Middleton
Koala Books 2003
The Puberty Book, 3rd ed.
Wendy Darvall and Kelsey Powell
Hodder 2003
Without a doubt, the questions that make parents squirm the most are the “Where did I come from?” sort.
When should the kids know what? How much information is too much? Who will get more embarrassed, parent or child?
While the issues should be discussed and shared by both parent and child, there are some excellent books which can provide the ideal starting point for that sharing by tackling those squirm-inducing questions.
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Made with Love is a picture book aimed at early primary school-aged
children. It deals with the steps from conception to birth through a series
of questions from a child and answers from a parent. The questions are
simple and direct – “How did I get into your tummy?”, “What did I eat when I
was inside Mum?” – and the answers equally straight forward and clear – “A
sperm from your Dad joined up with an egg inside me.”, “You didn’t need to
eat. All the things you needed, you got from your Mum.”
Extra information is then included to support each answer, explaining things like fertilization, cells and growing, umbilical cords and so on, but still in the clear and straight forward language of the questions.
Each question and its answers sit, as a two-page spread, on bright colourful drawings of the child and parent with simple diagrams of the aspect being discussed.
Made with Love is an outstanding book. It deals honestly and truthfully with the topics, never patronising the child asking the question. It answers what is asked but without overloading a reader with technical detail.
As a starter for that important shared discussion with a younger child, it is ideal!
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The older child, though? Now that is when the squirming really starts!
Fortunately, the questions and answer approach works just as well when the
child is turning into a teenager.
The Puberty Book is now into its 3rd edition. First published in 1995, it has already sold over 100,000 copies and is highly recommended by Family Planning Australia. It also is based on the questions asked by children, using them to explain all the issues of puberty – physical changes, emotions, health, relationships as well as sex, pregnancy and birth.
A short introduction to a topic is followed by a series of questions from people aged from 9 to 14 (the book’s target audience). The answers to these add the extra details that explain the whole topic, but in the terms of those questioners. This way it responds to what the readers want to know, in small bites, rather than smothering them with great slabs about the plumbing or the problems.
The Puberty Book does not preach either, or present one particular set of values. It answers a very wide range of questions openly and effectively. However, it certainly does observe when dangers can arise through health or social attitudes or behaviour, warning against them and advising where to seek advice and assistance. This list starts with parents, includes other responsible adults and counsellors, and ends with a bibliography for further information.
Simple diagrams and cartoons are scattered through the text and a detailed index allows quick reference.
The Puberty Book is Australia’s leading information book for kids entering this momentous stage of their lives. It is the leader, because it is the best.
Review by David Beagley
© 2003 David Beagley
