Book Review
A short overview of this book
The P Word: A Manual for Mammals by Dr. David L. Hu is a gender-neutral age-appropriate book about the penis for children. This is one of the few books that have been written for children about penises, and I think that most parents will find it a helpful resource for starting healthy conversations.
This is what the Publisher has to say about it…
What doesn’t have muscles but can still move? What helps our body get rid of dangerous toxins?
The P Word: A Manual for Mammals is the definitive pre-puberty guide to the penis for young people. This easy-to-understand manual gives readers an overview of how and why penises work―and how to keep them healthy for years to come. More than just a boring anatomy lesson, it weaves scientific insights and surprising mammal facts together with accurate and engaging illustrations.
Written by award-winning bioengineer David Hu and illustrated by Ilias Arahovitis, this fascinating and groundbreaking work draws on both human and animal biology to introduce kids to an amazing organ.
Refreshingly gender-neutral and inclusive in its language, this book will educate and entertain readers young and old.
Both intact (with a foreskin) and circumcised penises are shown in this book.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 7 to 12 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of The P Word: A Manual for Mammals by Dr. David L. Hu 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!
Sex Ed Rescue is all about helping parents find an easier way to talk to their kids about love, sex, and relationships. Today, I want to review a book called The P Word: A Manual for Mammals by David L. Hugh.
Now, I only have the eBook version of this book because, let’s face it, buying every book out there can get pretty expensive. But don’t worry, I’ll do my best to show it to you on my tablet.
So, here it is! This book is 31 pages long and it starts off nice and simple. What I really love about it is that it covers a whole lot of information about the penis, which is something that’s often overlooked in children’s books.
The P Word talks about what a penis is, what it means to have one, and even dives into the urinary system. And let me tell you, the illustrations in this book are just too cute! We’ve got a cat in a letter tray, a dog cocking its leg, and even someone peeing in a urinal. It’s a fun way to introduce these concepts to kids.
The book also touches on reproduction, explaining what an erection is, the changes that happen during puberty, and the basics of reproduction. It emphasizes the importance of keeping things clean and even provides some extra resources at the back.
What I really appreciate about this book is the language it uses. It’s so relatable, comparing things to animals and normalizing the fact that all penises look different. We’ve got illustrations showing wider and shorter penises, some circumcised and some not, and even different skin colors. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate diversity.
For younger children, there’s not much out there that covers this topic in such a positive and inclusive way. That’s why I think this book is so special.
The P Word also talks about the urinary system and throws in some fun trivia, like how long it takes to empty your bladder and how much urine comes out. It even delves into erections, explaining what they mean, how they happen, and why they occur. It’s a great way to introduce the topic of puberty too.
The book also touches on sperm and semen, and even compares the force of ejaculation to a fart, a cough, and a sneeze. It’s informative and fun at the same time!
While The P Word doesn’t explicitly talk about sex, it does discuss reproduction and the importance of taking care of your body. Hygiene is an important aspect to include in these conversations.
Overall, I think The P Word is a fantastic book. It’s got an index at the back and even suggests other books that might be helpful. I love the straightforward and natural approach it takes, making it easy for kids to understand and learn about this part of their bodies.
You know, there are plenty of books out there about vulvas and vaginas, but The P Word is the first and only one I’ve seen that focuses on the penis. It’s refreshing to see a book like this because there are so many curious kids out there with questions.
So, if you’re looking for a book that gives kids some interesting facts while educating them about their bodies, I highly recommend The P Word: A Manual for Mammals. It’s a lovely little book that tackles an important topic in a fun and informative way. Cheers!
