Ruby Luna’s Moontime by Tessa Venuti Sanderson

Book Review

A short overview of this book

Ruby Luna’s Moontime : A girls’ book about starting periods by Tessa Venuti Sanderson is a lovely book that normalises periods for tweens and teens.

This book is a little different to the usual ‘facts-based’ books that you find about periods. It is based around a diary, where Ruby Luna has her first period, and shares the ups and downs of adjusting to periods, puberty and growing up. The diary format means that the author has been able to weave in the many different experiences of first periods. For example, for some girls, a first period is brown staining instead of 3 to 5 days of red blood.

This book is very comprehensive and doesn’t just cover the physical changes, but also the emotional changes. Detailed information is provided about how to manage periods and the many different period products – pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period pants. You can tell that the author works with girls, as she talks about all the different things that girls often worry about eg losing a tampon, which hole to use etc.

I think this is a great book, and that it’ll be a helpful resource for girls (and parents too!).

You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 10 to 12 years.

Buy this book

✅ Buy a copy of Ruby Luna’s Moontime : A girls’ book about starting periods by Tessa Venuti Sanderson from Amazon.

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 can help parents like you talk to your kids about puberty, growing up, and sex education. If you want to learn more about having natural, open, and honest conversations with your kids about bodies and puberty, my website is here to help. I’ve got loads of resources that can make these conversations a breeze.

Today, I want to talk about a book called Ruby Luna’s Moontime Staff by Tessa Venuti Sanderson. This book is perfect for tweens and early teens, and let me tell you, I really liked it. Normally, I cringe when I find a book with tons of words because, let’s face it, my time is limited and I prefer books with pictures. But this one was surprisingly easy to read. I actually finished it in just half an hour while waiting at the physio with my son.

Now, as you know, I run a YouTube channel where I answer kids’ questions about bodies and growing up. I believe they deserve age-appropriate answers that aren’t all about sex and sexualization. And guess what? This book covers a lot of the questions kids ask me about puberty and periods. It starts off with Ruby Luna getting her first period and feeling a bit unsure. But her parents are supportive, and the book talks about how having a period is not something to be ashamed of.

Ruby Luna goes on to tell her friends about it and shares her experiences of managing her periods at school. The book even addresses common concerns like how much blood comes out and what to do if there’s no bin in the school toilet. It’s relatable because Ruby Luna is the first in her class to get her period, and the school isn’t fully prepared. But don’t worry, the book also talks about solutions like having a stash of supplies and teachers having a red box with period products.

There’s one part I really wanted to share with you. Ruby Luna talks about a situation in the change room where another girl had a big brown patch on her underwear. The girl got defensive, but Ruby Luna knew it wasn’t poo because she had learned that sometimes periods can start with brown blood. It’s important for girls to know that this is normal too, even if it doesn’t look like a real period with red blood and heavy flow.

The book doesn’t just cover periods, though. It also talks about using tampons and menstrual cups, addressing fears and concerns that kids may have. There are even diagrams to help explain things like the vulva. And yes, the book briefly mentions masturbation, but in a way that normalizes it and reduces any shame associated with it.

What I really appreciate about this book is that the author, Tessa Venuti Sanderson, runs workshops for kids and parents about celebrating becoming a woman. She truly understands the fears and questions that girls have about puberty and growing up. This book feels more accurate and comprehensive compared to others out there. It’s written by someone who gets what girls are going through, and that makes it so much more powerful and relatable.

So, if you’re looking for a book to help you talk to your older kids about periods and puberty, Ruby Luna’s Moontime Staff is a fantastic choice. You can read it together and discuss how the story relates to their own experiences or those of people they know. Trust me, it’s a great way to start these important conversations.

I hope this review was helpful to you. Remember, it’s always better to choose books written by people who truly understand what girls are experiencing. So, go ahead and grab a copy of this book and get ready for some meaningful discussions with your kids. You’ve got this!

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