Book Review
A short overview of this book
Nonnie Talks About Pregnancy and Birth by Mary-Jo Podgurski is the perfect book for older kids who need more information about pregnancy and birthing than a picture book can provide.
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:
- Nonnie Talks About Sex
- Nonnie Talks About Puberty
- Nonnie Talks About Gender
- Nonnie Talks About Trauma
- Nonnie Talks About Pregnancy and Birth
- Inside Out: Your body is amazing inside and out and only belongs to you.
- Nonnie Talks About Consent
- Nonnie Talks about Relationships
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 whoa re best friends and a grandmother who helps them to understand tough topics.
This book provides an extensive discussion of conception, pregnancy and the birth process. As with all of the Nonnie books, it discusses this topic gently and sensitively, handling topics like infertility and miscarriage with sensitivity. Labour and birthing (vaginal and Caesarian) are nicely explained with many child-friendly illustrations.
Sexual intercourse is briefly mentioned and discussed as 2 people having baby-making sex. The other methods for making a baby, like IUI and IVF, are also explained.
This is a lovely book that isn’t just a storybook, but a workbook as well. It is divided into chapters, with an activity at the end of each chapter. Which means that you can then talk about what was just discussed and apply it to your child and family.
This is an expensive book but it really does provide a guided opportunity for parents to talk with kids about pregnancy and birthing. Especially if they are curious and wanting to know more than what a picture book can provide them with.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 8 to 12 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Nonnie Talks About Pregnancy and Birth by Mary Jo Podgurski 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’m here to help you have better conversations with your kids about sex. On my YouTube channel, Sex Ed Rescue, I have lots of videos to guide you, and on my website, Sex Ed Rescue, you’ll find a ton of information and resources to make these conversations more natural and confident.
Today, I want to talk about a great book for slightly older children that covers the topic of pregnancy and birthing. It’s called Nonnie talks about Pregnancy and Birth by Mary Podgurski. This book is perfect for kids aged eight to twelve, and let me tell you, it’s a big one!
Mary Podgurski is amazing because she tackles all the tough conversations in her books. From puberty to race, gender, consent, trauma, and everything in between, she covers it all. This particular book focuses on pregnancy and birth, and although I initially thought it would be for younger kids, it’s actually more suitable for those approaching puberty.
The book starts off with a big question mark, letting kids know that it’s all about two kids growing up who had lots of questions. It begins with a family tree, showing how diverse families can be. Then it dives into different types of families and introduces two aunts who are pregnant. Alex and Tamika, the main characters, have plenty of questions, so their parents suggest they visit Nonnie, who knows a lot about this stuff.
The book covers everything from fertilization to IVF, explaining fertility and hormones along the way. There are helpful illustrations and definitions at the back to make things clearer. It talks about how the egg is released, fertilization, and the incredible transformation from an egg to a baby. It even touches on ultrasounds and the changes that happen to both the baby and the mother’s body.
The book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics either. It addresses miscarriage and the emotions that can arise during pregnancy. It also explores cravings and dispels some myths surrounding pregnancy. There’s even a space for kids to write or draw their thoughts on cravings and pregnancy myths.
The book also touches on the birthing process, explaining it in a child-friendly way. It covers both hospital births and other types of births, giving kids a well-rounded understanding. And of course, it talks about breastfeeding, emphasizing that it’s just how babies get fed, even though some people may find it yucky.
At the end of the book, there’s a glossary with definitions for all the important terms. It’s a fantastic resource for older kids who want to know more than what picture books usually offer. Mary Podgurski has done an incredible job creating child-friendly information that guides kids through these topics.
Now, I have to be honest, these books aren’t cheap. In Australia, they cost around $50 each. But let me tell you, I’m such a fan that I’m slowly buying them all. Mary Podgurski is aware of the price issue and is working on making printable versions available at a more affordable price. I can’t wait for that to happen!
I hope this review helps you decide if this book is right for your child. Cheers!
