Primary age: Books and leaflets
For primary-aged children
BRADMAN, T. and BREEZE, L (1997)
Billy and the baby. London: Harper Collins 25pp. (Collins Picture Lions) Billy’s mum and dad don’t want him to feel left out now there’s another baby on the way. But they don’t have to worry as Billy is looking forward to welcoming the new arrival to the family with a very special present. A good book as an introduction to where babies come from and to look at family changes when a new sibling appears.
CHILDREN WITH AIDS CHARITY (undated)
Talking with children about illness and HIV. London: CWAC. 16pp. Produced for parents and carers of children infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. Explains clearly and sensitively why talking with children about HIV and illness is important and provides examples of questions children and young people have, alongside ways of answering them. It describes ways of communicating with children that work from and with their level of understanding.
COLE, B. (2001)
Hair in funny places. London: Jonathan Cape Ltd. Children aged between 9 and 13 years are likely to be fascinated by the humour in both the illustrations and text of this book. The picture book format, which is more typical of a reading book for younger children, is cleverly used to provide factual information about the changes that take place at puberty. Babette Cole uses a wise teddy bear called Ted to provide the information to a girl who wants to know when she will be grown up. Ted’s reply – ‘that depends on Mr and Mrs Hormone’, triggers the discussion that follows on female and male body development and many of the emotional changes that take place.
COLE, B. (2000)
Mummy laid an egg! London: Red Fox. 30pp. Mum and Dad decide it’s time they told the children about the facts of life. Mum says that babies are made out of gingerbread, grown from seeds in the greenhouse, or squidged out of tubes. Dad says that Mummy laid an egg with the two children inside. So it’s up to the children to put them right on a few things… with humorous drawings the parents are ‘educated’! Particularly good for engaging with boys.
GLEITZMAN, M. (1999)
Bumface. London: Puffin. 182pp. A funny and touching book which provides lots of opportunities for teachers/parents to look at a range of issues with children including different family set ups; family relationships; the pressures on boys; parenting skills; contraception; different cultural attitudes to marriage and relationships; and first attraction.
HARRIS, R.H. EMBERLEY, M. (Illus.) (2001)
Hi new baby! London: Walker Books Ltd. This book for primary aged children looks at what happens when a new baby is born and shows children that being a “big” sister or brother is a special thing.
HARRIS, R. H. (2005)
Let’s talk about sex: growing up, changing bodies, sex and sexual health. London: Walker Books. 89pp. Revised version. Thorough, frank, up-to-date, responsible and reassuring information about all aspects of growing up, sex and sexuality. Illustrated throughout with amusing but accurate illustrations. Inclusive of different sexualities, disabilities, ethnicities and body shapes. Aimed at 10-14 year olds and their parents and carers.
HARRIS, R. H. (2004)
Let’s talk about where babies come from. London: Walker Books. 89pp. Revised version. Covers both the biological aspects of where babies come from and the emotional aspects in equal measure. Describes the emotional and physical changes that take place at puberty. Humorous cartoon sequences are likely to appeal to boys as well as girls. The author has worked from children’s existing knowledge and so doesn’t shy away from particular subjects, but includes reassuring information on HIV and AIDS, miscarriage, abortion and child abuse. Not only does it provide clear explanations of how babies are made, it also covers contraception. Through text and illustrations, the diversity of children’s family situations are reflected. Clear diagrams will help clear up common confusions and worries about babies being in mum’s tummy. A good family reference book and a useful addition for primary schools, covering all the aspects of reproduction required by the National Curriculum. The level of detail and language used indicates a slightly higher age than the target age of 10+.
HARRIS, R.H. (Publication due in Aug 2006)
Let’s talk about girls, boys, babies, bodies, families and friends. London: Walker Books. 64pp. Young children ask so many questions about their bodies and how they were made. With lively language and clear, accurate information, this book answers those questions and will help even preschool children feel proud and comfortable about their own bodies. For parents, teachers, librarians and health professionals to use with children aged 4+.
KREITMAN, T FINLAY, F and JONES, R. (2001)
Everything you ever wanted to ask about periods. London: Piccadilly Press. 126pp. Practical and reassuring advice and answers about all aspects of periods, based on questions asked by girls. Includes personal stories from girls about their experiences. Covers how do you know when your periods are about to start? What will it really be like? Who do you tell? What do you use? Are you different now? Explores common questions and problems.
KUBLER, A. (1995)
I know a secret. Child’s Play. 31pp. Where babies come from is a source of wonder for all children. This book for younger children provides accurate information in an accessible way. Additional information is provided in a separate booklet, Before I Was Born – which would enable children to trace backwards their own development before birth or to trace forwards the progress in the womb of a new brother or sister.
McKEE, D. (2005)
Not now, Bernard. London: Andersen Press. Bernard can’t find a way to make his parents stop and listen to what he is saying – that there is a monster in the garden. A classic story which can be used to look at emotions and feelings.
MANNING, M., and GRANSTROM, B. (2004)
How did I begin? London: Franklin Watts. 31pp. A warm, friendly introduction to the facts of life for young children that follows the story of a new life from the moment of conception to the birth of a baby. Children are gently guided through each stage with charming illustrations and simple explanations, inviting lots of discussion. Provides accurate information in an accessible way. A word of warning – you may need to explain that mums aren’t ‘put to sleep’ for a caesarean in the way that pets are put to sleep!
MANNING, M and GRANSTROM, B. (2004)
My body your body. London: Franklin Watts. 32pp. (Wonderwise) This book is for use with children aged between four and seven years old. It aims to show children how amazing their bodies are and highlights links with the animal world. Different facets of bodies and what they can do are included. For example, ‘look in the mirror’ focuses on eyes and contrasts the ways we see the world with the seeing abilities of other species. The extreme contrasts between what is familiar and what is strange work well.
MANNING, M and GRANSTROM, B. (2004)
The world is full of babies! London: Franklin Watts. 28pp. (Wonderwise)
Storybook for children of two to seven years old aims to help children understand that they are part of the animal kingdom, and as such follow a pattern of development which can be compared to that of other species. The book has amusing and delightful colour illustrations, with sentences to describe them on every page. The story starts in the womb, comparisons are made with different gestation times as well as where different babies are born. Each page starts ‘All over the earth….’ and charts different stages of growth and needs for different types of babies.
WEBSITES (including publishers/suppliers)
Andersen Press: www.andersenpress.co.uk
Centre for HIV and Sexual Health: www.sexualhealthsheffield.co.uk
Children with AIDS Charity: www.cwac.org
Child’s Play: www.childs-play.com
fpa: www.fpa.org.uk
Franklin Watts: www.wattspub.co.uk
HIT: www.hit.org.uk
Hodder Children’s Books: www.madaboutbooks.com
National Children’s Bureau: www.ncb.org.uk
Piccadilly Press: www.piccadillypress.co.uk
Puffin Books: www.puffin.co.uk
Rapport Learning: www.rapportgroup.com
Scholastic: www.scholastic.co.uk
Sex Education Forum: www.ncb.org.uk/sef
Tacade: www.tacade.com
Walker Books: www.walkerbooks.co.uk
