Book Review
A short overview of this book
Play & Learn PaperDoll Families by Cath Hakanson are anatomically correct paperdolls that are perfect for starting shame-free conversations with kids about where babies come from (and how they are made).
These paperdolls were created to help parents with starting conversations with their kids whilst their hands are busy with cutting, colouring and playing. Feedback from parents has been that busy hands help to make conversations feel more natural and easier to start.
Most kids go through an age-appropriate stage of being curious about where babies come from. They may pretend they are pregnant, and stuff a doll under their shirt or pester you for a new baby. So these paperdolls will allow you to take advantage of this ‘baby stage’ by providing you with an activity that will allow them to play whilst you start natural conversations about where babies come from and how they are made.
You’ll find 6 babies of different ages, genders and ethnicities. Each baby has both gendered and gender neutral clothing that your child can dress them in.
There are 4 adult dolls, which means your doll can recreate their own family. They come with a range of different clothing that allows each adult (regardless of gender and sex) to be pregnant and feed the baby. You’ll also find clothing that includes a wheelchair, as well as crutches and Which means that kids with a transgender or non-binary parent can feel included and create a family that represents theirs.
All costumes fit each doll, so your child can dress a boy doll (or a doll with a penis) in a dress (perfect for chatting about gender stereotypes). Which means you can then chat about the correct anatomical names of their private parts, the difference between male and female bodies, intersex, being transgender, gender diversity, body safety and more. You’ll also find costumes that include a wheelchair and a white cane (for visually impaired adults).
And in case you feel stuck and are unsure about what to talk about or how to start the conversation, you’ll find a guide at the back with ideas and tips.
You’ll also find an illustrated Question and Answer section, with child-friendly answers and images for questions that kids commonly ask during this discussion.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 3 to 9 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Play & Learn PaperDoll Families by Cath Hakanson from Amazon. These are also available as printable PDF in the Sex Ed Rescue shop.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. On my YouTube channel, I review books that make sex education easier and more enjoyable. Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite books called Play and Learn Paper Doll Families. It’s a fantastic resource for parents and kids to explore topics like birth, pregnancy, and where babies come from.
Now, before we dive in, I apologize for any background noise. It’s morning tea time, and there’s a bunch of kids playing nearby. But don’t worry, it’ll quiet down soon. Alright, let’s get started!
This book is a paper doll activity book, perfect for sitting down at a table and getting creative with your little ones. It’s designed for those curious minds who want to know all about where babies come from and how they’re made.
Inside, you’ll find anatomically correct dolls of different ages and ethnicities. Some dolls have visible genitals, while others don’t. They all have gender-neutral names, so everyone can feel included. And of course, there’s a variety of clothing options to dress them up in!
The book also includes parent dolls, again with gender-neutral names. They come with different costumes, like a mom doll who can directly feed the baby from her breasts or chest, a pregnant mom doll, and even a parent doll in a wheelchair. I wanted to make sure that this book represents diverse families and includes everyone, so I added costumes for trans men who are pregnant too.
At the back of the book, you’ll find some helpful notes and ideas on how to use these dolls to start important conversations with your kids. There are topics like using correct names for genitals, explaining the difference between boys and girls, discussing assisted reproduction, and even talking about how babies are born and fed.
To make things even more inclusive, I’ve included illustrations that answer common questions about genitals, the growth of a baby, and how babies are made. It’s all presented in a simple and age-appropriate way.
I hope you find this book valuable and enjoy using it as a tool to have open and honest conversations with your kids about where babies come from. And remember, there are two more books in this series: a superhero-themed one for those who think paper dolls are just for girls, and a book about paper doll friends that explores gender, bodies, and stereotypes. These are all important conversations to have when kids are young.
I hope this summary was helpful for you. Cheers!
