Book Review
A short overview of this book
The Science of Babies by Deborah Roffman is a board book that aims to explain the facts of life to younger children. It’s a nice simple book that explains the differences between bodies (penises and vulvas), the parts you need to make a new person, how they join together, how the baby grows, pregnancy and how it is born.
Sexual intercourse IS NOT discussed in this book, but… There is a page with an illustration of a man and woman in a bed, and a vague description of a man and woman joining their bodies together (like puzzle pieces).
This is what the Publisher has to say about this book…
Where did I come from? How did I get out of there? How did I get in there in the first place? If the thought of answering these questions makes you feel awkward, relax! For young children, these are simply questions about science and how the world really works. This book is the perfect tool to help parents and caregivers discover the answers together with their curious kids. Through carefully crafted text and charming illustrations, you can prepare the ground early for a safe, happy and healthy life.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 3 to 7 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of The Science of Babies by Deborah Roffman from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue with Cath Hakanson. Today, I want to share my thoughts on a board book called Science of Babies by Deborah Rothman. Now, this book is a little hard to find because it’s self-published, but I managed to get my hands on a copy and I’m excited to give you the lowdown.
Deborah Rothman is a pioneer in the field of sex education for families, and she’s been writing books since the 80s. So, she’s definitely got some street cred in the sex education world. Science of Babies is a board book, which means it’s sturdy and perfect for little hands.
The book starts off by explaining that everyone’s bodies are different, but in some ways, we’re all the same. It talks about the different parts of our bodies, both on the inside and the outside, and emphasizes that some parts are private. It even labels all the different body parts, which is super helpful.
Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff. The book briefly touches on how sperm travels from one body to another. It mentions that the vagina and penis fit together like puzzle pieces, and that grownups enjoy being close in this way. It’s a bit vague, but I prefer direct language when it comes to talking about sex. However, if you’re not quite comfortable with that, this book might be a good option for you.
Science of Babies also covers how babies are made and how they develop inside the body. It talks about birthing, both in hospitals and at home, and even includes a picture of a baby being born. One thing I found interesting is that it acknowledges that babies can be born in different ways, with or without the help of a doctor. It’s nice to see some inclusivity in the book, even though it feels a bit tokenistic.
Overall, Science of Babies is a decent book for younger children. It covers the basics of body parts, how babies are made, and how they’re born. It’s not perfect, but let’s be honest, finding the perfect book on this topic is like finding a unicorn. You can always use it as a starting point for a conversation and add your own insights.
I hope you found this review helpful. If you’re looking for a board book that gently introduces the topic of bodies, birth, and families, Science of Babies might be worth checking out. Cheers!
