Book Review
A short overview of this book
So That’s What’s Happening by Gina Dawson is a book for younger children that talks about puberty and growing up, giving them the right amount of information.
If you are looking for a book that has more than just the basics but doesn’t overwhelm with too much information, then this book is ideal. It does talk about sexual intercourse though, which most books that target a younger audience do leave out. The emphasis though is on the fact that puberty brings change and that it can be a different experience for us all.
This book shows penises with a foreskin (intact) as well as penises with a foreskin (circumcised).
Sexual intercourse is talked about in this book.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 8 to 11 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of So That’s What’s Happening by Gina Dawson 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 talk about a fantastic book for kids aged eight to twelve. It’s all about puberty and growing up, and it’s called So That’s What Happens.
This book is perfect for parents and educators who want to explain puberty to younger children. You see, puberty is starting at a younger age these days, and it’s not uncommon for ten or eleven-year-olds to experience changes like getting their period. So it’s important to provide them with age-appropriate information.
Now, So That’s What Happens is a bit different from the Secret Girls books that most people are familiar with. It’s more like a storybook, with lots of pictures and simple imagery. There are some pages that might push a few buttons, but overall, it’s a great resource.
The book covers a lot of ground. It talks about what puberty is, how your body shape changes, growing hair, getting smelly under the armpits, oily skin, pimples, and even the basics of reproduction. It also touches on voice changes, the differences between male and female anatomy, and how to make a baby. Plus, it explores feelings, independence, and body image.
What I really love about this book is that it starts off by reassuring kids that puberty is normal and happening to everyone. It doesn’t dive straight into the nitty-gritty of sex, which can be overwhelming for young readers. Instead, it gently introduces the topic and helps kids feel more comfortable.
The illustrations in the book are diverse, showing different body shapes and skin tones. This is so important because we live in a culturally diverse world, and representation matters. It’s great to see a book that includes everyone.
The book also does a good job of addressing common fears and concerns that kids may have about their changing bodies. It talks about things like breast development in boys, hair growth, body odor, and pimples, and normalizes these changes. It’s all about making kids feel okay about what they’re experiencing.
When it comes to discussing sexual intercourse, the book takes a positive approach. It emphasizes that it’s an important decision and about showing care and attraction to someone, not just about making babies. It’s a lovely way to introduce the topic without overwhelming young readers.
The book also covers periods for girls and the changes boys experience, like erections and wet dreams. It’s important to provide information about these topics in a sensitive and age-appropriate manner.
Finally, the book touches on body image and the importance of having a positive outlook. It doesn’t go into detail about social media or other factors that can impact body image, but it’s a good starting point for conversations about self-acceptance.
Overall, So That’s What Happens is a wonderful book that provides factual information in a gentle and positive way. It doesn’t shame or perpetuate negative beliefs about puberty. Instead, it helps counteract the negativity that kids often hear about this stage of life.
If you’re looking for a book that explains puberty in a factual yet reassuring manner, I highly recommend checking out So That’s What Happens. It’s a great resource for parents, educators, and kids themselves. Cheers!
