Iā€™m a Boy: Special Me by Shelley Metten

Book Review

A short overview of this book

I’m a Boy: Special Me by Shelley Metten from Anatomy for Kids is a factual book that explains the male reproductive anatomy to children.

This is a series of 5 books, of which this is the first book. Basically, this book introduces what makes boys different, and provides age-appropriate and sensitive information for boys on their anatomy (penis and testicles) and introduces how babies are made (sex is not talked about).

The second book, I’m a Boy: My Changing Body is for 8-10 year olds, whilst the third book, I’m a Boy: Hormones is for 11-13 year olds, the fourth book, Iā€™m a Boy, How Are Girls Different is for kids aged 13 and older and the fifth book, I’m a Boy: Sexual Maturity if for kids aged 15+.

Both intact (with a foreskin) and circumcised penises are shown in this book.

Sexual intercourse is NOT talked about in this book.

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 5 to 7 years.

Buy this book

āœ… Buy a copy of I’m a Boy: Special Me by Shelley Metten from Amazon.

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, and I want to chat with you about an awesome book for boys aged five to seven. It’s called I’m A Boy Special Me and it’s written by Shelley Metten, an anatomist from the United States who runs the website Anatomy for Kids. Trust me, her website is a goldmine of information for parents about puberty, so definitely check it out!

Now, let’s dive into this book. It’s part of a series of three books for boys (and there might even be a fourth one on the way, but I’ll have to confirm that). The books are designed to provide age-appropriate information as boys grow older and approach puberty.

This particular book is perfect for young boys between the ages of five and seven. It introduces them to the basic structures of the male genitals and explains where babies come from. Don’t worry, it doesn’t go into explicit details about sex, but it does touch on the fact that it takes a man and a woman to make a baby.

When you flip through the pages, you’ll find lovely pictures and simple words that make it easy to read in one sitting. Personally, I prefer shorter books when reading with my kids, so I totally get it!

The story starts with some boys playing at the park while their pregnant mom sits on a bench and their dad kicks a ball. They talk about the upcoming arrival of the baby and even wonder how they can tell if it’s a boy or a girl. Dad suggests asking his friend, Dr. M, who knows all about these things. Dr. M joins them at the park and explains where babies come from, highlighting the similarities and differences between boys and girls.

One of the boys mentions that girls don’t have a penis, and they all have a good laugh. It’s important to normalize these conversations and show that it’s okay to find certain things funny. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of toilet talk laughter in my own house!

Dr. M also talks about testicles and sperm, using simple diagrams to help explain. She covers what sperm looks like and where it’s made. It’s all presented in a way that’s easy for young boys to understand. The book even touches on erections, showing ultrasound pictures of little boys in utero with erections to demonstrate that it’s a normal part of development.

The book also addresses the fact that not every penis looks the same, explaining that some boys have a foreskin while others don’t. This is important for kids to know, especially when they’re in situations like swimming lessons where they might see other boys’ bodies. It’s all about normalizing and accepting differences.

Towards the end, the book briefly mentions the female anatomy, but it doesn’t go into great detail. It’s primarily focused on helping boys understand their own bodies and the differences between boys and girls.

All in all, I’m A Boy Special Me is a fantastic book if you want to have open conversations about the differences between boys and girls and answer your child’s curious questions about their own bodies. It provides just the right amount of information for young boys without overwhelming them.

I hope this review helps! Cheers!

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