Nonnie Talks About Consent by Mary Jo Podgurski

Book Review

A short overview of this book

Nonnie Talks About Consent by Mary Jo Podgurski is a book that teaches kids that consent is a vital part of everyday communication and healthy relationships.

This is one of the many books in the Nonnie Series, which is a collection of books that approach tough conversations with kindness and respect. She has also written:

I am a huge fan of these books as they are the sort of book that you can sit down and read together with your child, and complete the activities at the end of each chapter. Plus they lead into the topic very gently in a non-confronting way. These books are all based around the story of 2 children and a grandmother who helps them to understand tough topics.

This book looks at consent and explains that consent is not just about sexual consent, that it is about consent being an important part of our everyday relationships with people and in how we communicate with people.  Which means that consent is broken down into simple concepts that children can easily understand and incorporate into their lives.

There is also a story within this book of a sexual assault (unwanted touch), with this topic also being broached sensitively in regards to blame, guilt, and what to do.

I think that this is a fantastic book, and that it is an invaluable guide for starting conversations with your child about consent.

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 8 to 13 years.

Buy this book

✅ Buy a copy of Nonnie Talks About Consent by Mary Jo Podgurski from Amazon or Book Depository.

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, where I chat about all things related to sex education. Today, I want to tell you about a book that can really help you when it comes to talking about consent.

This book is part of a series by Mary Jo Podgurski, a fantastic author from the United States. I personally love her writing because she has a nursing background, just like me. Nurses have a unique perspective on sexuality because of our clinical experience and the way we interact with people. So, this book is all about consent and it’s pretty comprehensive.

Now, I have to be honest, her books can be a bit pricey. I’ve talked to her about it because I know they can be a stretch for some budgets. In Australia, I paid over 40 dollars for this one, which is more than I usually spend on books about consent. But let me tell you, the quality is top-notch. It’s a big A4 size book with about 60 colorful pages. The paper is really nice too. So, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth in terms of the quality.

What I really love about these books is that they’re designed to be read together with your child. There are activities throughout the book that encourage you to pause and discuss what you’ve just read. It’s perfect for homeschooling or just having those important conversations at home. Plus, there’s a glossary at the back to help with any new or unfamiliar terms.

Each chapter starts off with a little background story, easing into the topic without diving in headfirst. It’s a great way to approach consent because most people immediately think of sexual consent. But this author knows her stuff. She works with children and teens all the time, so you can trust that she’s applying what she practices.

The book covers a range of topics, from boundaries and owning your no, to understanding feelings and reading body language. It even addresses unwanted touch in a nurturing way. And it’s not just about sexual consent, but also about crushes and navigating those tricky feelings that come with puberty.

I have to say, the way this book is presented is really engaging. The colorful images and activities make it easy to follow along and have those important discussions with your child. And at the end, there are even conversation starters and a card about sexting to help you broach those topics too.

So, if you’re a parent looking to start conversations about consent with your child in a structured and supportive way, I highly recommend this book. It’s a fantastic resource that tackles complicated topics in a safe and approachable manner. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Cheers!

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