Book Review
An overview of the book
Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle is the sex education book that most of us parents grew up with. It is a bit dated but it still has some wonderful content in it! This book is an oldie. It has been around since 1973. (Just after I was born and my mother possibly could have used this book with me!) This is the book that a lot of us as parents grew up with. Today, 40+ years later, it is still one of the top-selling books on sex education. This is not a book that I use with my own children. Mainly because today there are better books, that are a lot more modern with similar content.
The images inside Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle are still the same old original images from our childhood, which means that it looks a little outdated when compared to modern-day books.
The story of reproduction (ie how babies are made) is based on ‘penis in vagina’ sexual intercourse, with the birth at the end being a vaginal delivery. So the book does need to be updated to reflect the times – the times have changed since 1973 when the book was first published. It talks about a mum and a dad getting together, having sex and creating a baby. But what if your child was adopted or there was an egg or sperm donation or surrogacy or you have got two moms. This book doesn’t include these other ways that babies today can also be made.
Where Did I Come From? does need to be updated in regards to those things but this book does give the best description of sexual intercourse that is out there for children. And it is age-appropriate! The author has managed to be able to also put in words what sexual feelings are like, in regards to orgasm, ie the crescendo and the buildup towards orgasm, and the rhythmic ‘in and out’ movements of sexual penetration. Most kids tend to find the details about the mechanics of sex a little bizarre and they won’t really understand what it all means until during puberty (when the sex hormones kick in and create romantic thoughts). Kids don’t see all of the other stuff that goes with sex and they initially find it difficult to understand. Because we are talking about stuff that they have not experienced yet and they don’t understand sexual desire and arousal, because they have yet to experience it. Once the hormones start appearing, then sexual feelings will start to happen. But this book gives a nice description of sexual intercourse.
The book also talks about pregnancy and the fact that all of our body shapes are different.
I would love to see this book be updated but I don’t think it will be because they are still selling so many of them. Why would you update it when it is doing so well for itself already. I think it is a good book but there are other books that are out there that are a little bit more modern, in regards to reflecting the changes in society, technology and how babies can be made.
Should you buy it?
No, today there are much better books out there that actually replace it. As I have said, the content is fantastic but it does not talk about the alternative ways that babies are made (IVF, surrogacy, adoption etc). But it does give the most detailed age-appropriate description of how sex happens, that I have ever found!
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 6 to 9 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Let’s talk about the book Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle. Now, this book has been around since 1973, way before I was born! It’s a classic that many parents grew up with and remember fondly. When it comes to sex education books, this one is still a popular choice for parents.
I have to admit, though, that it’s a bit outdated. The illustrations are still the original ones, and there are newer books available that are more modern. So, personally, I don’t use this book with my own children. But hey, if you’re feeling nostalgic or want to explore the basics, it’s still a decent option.
One thing to note is that it focuses mainly on heterosexual intercourse, specifically vaginal delivery. It doesn’t cover other ways of creating a family, like adoption, egg or sperm donation, surrogacy, or same-sex couples. That’s definitely an area where it could use an update to reflect the diversity of families today.
But here’s the good part: when it comes to describing sexual intercourse, this book does a great job. It’s age-appropriate and explains things in a way that kids can understand. It talks about sexual feelings, like orgasm, and explains the mechanics of it all. Kids sometimes find it a bit strange because it’s something they haven’t experienced yet, but this book helps them grasp the concept.
It also touches on pregnancy and the fact that our bodies come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important for kids to know that everyone is unique and that’s totally okay.
Now, I’d love to see an updated version of this book that covers all the changes in society and technology. But honestly, I don’t think it’s going to happen anytime soon. It’s still selling like hotcakes, so why fix something that’s not broken, right?
In conclusion, Where Did I Come From? is a good book for introducing the basics of sex education to kids. However, there are other more modern options out there that address the evolving world we live in. So, take your pick and find the one that suits your family best.
Hope this helps! Cheers!
