Book Review
A short overview of this book
Every Body: A First Conversation About Bodies (First Conversations) by Megan Madison is a fantastic book for young children about bodies. An essential book for all families to read with their young children.
This is what the Author has to say…
Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body liberation should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery to introduce the concept of BODY LIBERATION. This book serves to celebrate the uniqueness of your body and all bodies, and addresses the unfair rules and ideas that currently exist about bodies. It ends with motivational action points for making the world more fair for all!
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it’s hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue with Cath Hak. I’m here to help parents find an easy and effective way to talk to their kids about sex. Today, I want to share my thoughts on a fantastic book called Everybody: A First Conversation About Bodies by Megan Madison, Jessica Raleigh, and Taquita Andrews.
Let me tell you, this book is a gem! It’s part of a series of books that focus on important first conversations, and let me tell you, they’re absolutely lovely. I can’t recommend them enough. One thing that really stood out to me is the incredible diversity showcased in the book. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to other books out there. Not only does it include different skin tones and ethnicities, but it also features characters with glasses and disabilities. And guess what? It even celebrates diversity in body shapes! It’s amazing to see more books embracing this inclusivity.
The book starts off by highlighting that bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s great that it also touches on the unique features we all have, like wrinkles, moles, freckles, scars, and even tattoos. This book celebrates the fact that our bodies are different, special, and healthy. It explains things like fat and why we have it, as well as how our bodies give us signals when we’re hungry or need rest. It covers a wide range of topics, from feelings to how bodies grow and change.
I have to admit, I got a little excited thinking about the possibility of a book about puberty, but hey, that’s a topic for another time. Let’s focus on these important early conversations for now. This book does a fantastic job of explaining how bodies grow and change in size and shape. It emphasizes that we all have different abilities and sometimes need a little help. Most importantly, it empowers kids by reminding them that they are the boss of their own bodies. No one knows their bodies better than they do, and no one should tell them how to feel about their bodies either.
Now, here’s something I absolutely love about this book: it addresses the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media. It calls out the lie that only certain body types are beautiful and healthy. It even delves into the history behind these harmful messages. It’s not just a book of facts; it challenges the unhealthy ideas society throws at us. And it wraps up by reminding us that all bodies can be healthy.
At the end of the book, you’ll find some great ideas on how to continue the conversation with your kids. Now, let’s talk about the format. This particular version is a hardcover, which is a nice change from the usual board books. While board books are great for younger kids, sometimes older kids see them as baby books. That’s why I’m thrilled to see this book available in paperback too. It gives you more options for different age groups.
If you’re considering purchasing these books, I highly recommend it. They’re worth the investment. And don’t forget, your local library is a fantastic resource. Librarians are like treasure troves of information, and they can help you find these books or even order them for you. They’re all about promoting a love for books and helping families have important conversations.
Well, that’s it for today. I hope you found this review helpful. I need to return this book to the library, hence the Saturday morning video. Take care and happy reading! Cheers!
