Book Review
A short overview of this book
A Kid’s First Book About Sex by Joani Blank is an older book that explains sexuality to young children and allows them to feel curious about their body.
This is a fantastic little book because it explains sex to children who have yet to go through puberty ie kids who are a little curious about sex but still see it as something strange that adults do. The author explains it beautifully and in a way that makes perfect sense.
Many topics are discussed in this book. The private parts of the body (the genitals ) are talked about as well as how different(but alike) our bodies can be.
Masturbation (or touching yourself to feel good) is discussed, in regards to the fact that it can feel good to touch your genitals, but that not all kids do this. The different ways you can touch yourself, as well as the fact that some people believe that masturbation is wrong, is briefly discussed. Orgasm is also explained in a way that makes perfect sense to a child.
Sexual intercourse is explained as a way to make babies but also as something that adults like to do for fun or because it can feel nice.
Dating or having a partner (someone who you might like in a different or special way) is also discussed, including same-sex relationships. Healthy relationships are talked about in regards to what 2 people might want to do together.
This is an older book that you can’t buy new, but can still find secondhand. The author also allows you to download the book from her website (for free or for a donation). The author also has a workbook that goes with it, The Playbook For Kids About Sex.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, your go-to channel for all things related to sex education. Today, I want to talk about a really cool book called A Kid’s First Book About Sex by Joani Blank. Now, this book may be a bit old, but trust me, it’s still worth checking out. It tackles some important topics that we as adults sometimes struggle to talk about.
First off, let me say that I usually review books that are easily accessible, but this one is a bit harder to find. However, Joani Blank has made it available for download on her website, so you can still get your hands on it if you’re okay with an e-book.
So, what’s this book all about? Well, it’s all about the body, being naked, and understanding what’s sexy. It covers topics like feeling sexy, orgasms, and even masturbation. These are things that you don’t often see in children’s books, but Joani Blank isn’t afraid to address them.
One thing that sets this book apart is that it’s not solely focused on how babies are made. Sure, it mentions that making babies is a part of sex, but it also emphasizes the importance of how you feel about yourself and your body. That’s something I really love about this book.
As you read through it, you might come across some new words or ideas. That’s totally normal! I encourage you to talk to the person who gave you the book, most likely your parent, and have a conversation about it. This book is meant to introduce you to new concepts and spark those important discussions.
There are even some questions in the book to get you thinking. For example, it asks you to draw a picture of your whole body and think about which parts you like the most and why. It also talks about nudity and being naked, explaining that different families have different levels of comfort with nudity.
The book dives into the topic of touch as well. It asks if grown-ups touch you too much, not enough, or just the right amount. It also explores different types of touch and asks if any of them feel sexy to you. It’s all about understanding your own feelings and sensations.
Now, let’s talk about body parts. The book mentions that some parts of your body may feel especially good and sexy when they’re touched. It even talks about the clitoris, which is pretty rare for a book from the 80s. It also mentions breasts and nipples as part of the body that can be considered private.
Feeling sexy is another topic covered in the book. It explains that feeling aroused or turned on is completely normal and can happen for various reasons. It even touches on orgasms, describing them as a rush of excitement. This is one of the few children’s books that talks about orgasms, and I think that’s great!
The book also addresses the topic of masturbation, explaining that it’s a way to feel good by touching yourself. It emphasizes that there’s nothing wrong or bad about it. Privacy is also discussed, highlighting the importance of having space for yourself.
Of course, the book touches on sexual intercourse as well. It explains that it’s the way a woman’s egg and a man’s seed come together to start a baby growing. But it also emphasizes that sex is about more than just making babies. It feels good and can be an important part of a relationship.
The book even covers same-sex relationships and the different things that couples might do together. It’s inclusive and recognizes that everyone’s experiences and attractions are unique.
Overall, I really love this book. It’s straightforward, honest, and covers topics that many other books shy away from. It was written in the 80s, so it may be a bit different from what you’re used to, but it’s still a valuable resource.
If you’re interested in checking it out, you can download a copy from Joani Blank’s website or try finding a second-hand copy online. There’s also a workbook available if you prefer a more interactive experience.
I hope this review helps you understand what this book is all about. Remember, it’s all about making sex education easier for you and your parents. Cheers!
