Book

It's MY Body

by Lory Freeman

📖 Overview

It's MY Body is a children's educational book that focuses on personal boundaries and body safety. The book introduces concepts of bodily autonomy and consent in straightforward language for young readers. The narrative presents scenarios where children may need to understand and assert their right to say "no" to unwanted touches. Through simple examples, the book illustrates the difference between safe and unsafe situations. This guide serves as a resource for parents, educators, and caregivers to open discussions about personal safety with children. The book addresses important topics while maintaining an age-appropriate approach that empowers rather than frightens young readers. Through its direct approach and emphasis on empowerment, the book contributes to the broader conversation about teaching children self-advocacy skills and personal boundary awareness from an early age.

👀 Reviews

Parents and educators call this book clear and direct in teaching children about body safety and personal boundaries. Readers appreciate that it addresses inappropriate touching without causing fear or anxiety. Likes: - Simple language suitable for young children - Empowers kids to say "no" to unwanted touch - Includes scenarios like tickling and rough play, not just abuse - Validates children's right to control their own bodies Dislikes: - Some feel the black and white illustrations look dated - A few readers note the writing style is basic - Limited coverage of complex situations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (900+ ratings) "Perfect for teaching consent to preschoolers," notes one parent reviewer. A teacher writes, "My students understand the message without feeling scared." The book receives consistent recommendations from child safety organizations and abuse prevention programs as an introductory resource for young children.

📚 Similar books

Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman This book teaches children about body autonomy and their right to decide who touches them.

Some Parts are Not for Sharing by Julie K. Federico This book explains private parts and body boundaries through the perspective of a fish learning about personal safety.

I Said No! by Kimberly King, Zack King This book provides children with strategies to recognize unsafe situations and respond to unwanted touch.

My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders This book teaches children about personal space, safe and unsafe touch, and how to seek help from trusted adults.

No Means No! by Jayneen Sanders This book reinforces a child's ability to set boundaries about their body and respect the boundaries of others.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔹 The book was first published in 1982 and remains one of the earliest children's books to address body safety and consent in an age-appropriate way 🔹 Author Lory Freeman collaborated with illustrator Carol Deach on several other children's books focusing on personal safety and emotional well-being 🔹 The book was groundbreaking for its time in empowering children to say "no" to unwanted touch, even from familiar adults 🔹 It's MY Body is frequently recommended by child psychologists and abuse prevention organizations as a tool for starting conversations about personal boundaries 🔹 The book has been translated into multiple languages and is used in child safety education programs worldwide, reaching millions of children over its 40+ year history