So That’s How I Began by Gina Dawson

Short Summary

So That’s How I Began by Gina Dawson is a gentle and factual children’s book about where babies come from. It explains sex and reproduction in a straightforward way, without explicit illustrations, making it a good choice for kids who are ready for more detail than a simple picture book but not yet ready for full-on puberty guides.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 8 to 12 years.

Topics Discussed

Assisted Reproduction | How Babies Are Made

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of So That’s How I Began by Gina Dawson from Amazon.

What this book is about

• So That’s How I Began is a children’s book that explains the basics of reproduction, pregnancy, and birth.
• It describes sexual intercourse and how sperm and egg join, but does so with light humour (like a dog hiding under the bed) to ease any awkwardness.
• The book is conservative in approach – it doesn’t include diagrams of private body parts – but it still names them and talks about their role in making a baby.
• Families are shown in different ways, including mum and dad, two mums, and two dads. While it’s not as diverse or detailed as books like Corey Silverberg’s, it does acknowledge family diversity and IVF.
• It also covers pregnancy, how a baby grows, birth, newborn care, and even briefly mentions twins and triplets.
• The book avoids strong moral framing around marriage, so parents can adapt the wording to reflect their own family values if needed.
• The illustrations are culturally diverse, which makes it more relatable for children from different backgrounds.
• Overall, this is a solid starting point for teaching kids about where babies come from. While not the most up-to-date or inclusive book on the shelf, it’s safe, approachable, and can be adapted to fit your family’s beliefs and values.

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath