In a world where some want to create laws that govern our bodies, it's important to teach kids about body autonomy, consent, and the power of their own choices. These children's books are a great way to start the conversation. Let's empower the next generation to know that their bodies belong to them, and no one else.
For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book.
A joyful ode to loving and caring for our bodies, from Olympic gold medalist and advocate Aly Raisman and bestselling artist Bea Jackson.
My body is my own.
My body is just right for me,
From my head to my toes
From My Head to My Toes gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way. Cheerful and informative, this story focuses on the powerful message of self-love. Aly's inspiring words are paired with expert-vetted resources, giving adults the tools to begin having these essential conversations with kids from a young age.
With its infectious refrain, this powerful, age-appropriate picture book for young children underscores kids' right to set boundaries--and take charge of their own bodies, voices, and choices.
Who's in charge of your giggle? I am!
Who's in charge of your wiggle? I am!
Who's in charge of your face? I am!
Who's in charge of your space? I am!
With playfulness and a powerful sense of confidence, the children in this book assert in no uncertain terms who is in charge of their lips, their hips, their eyes, their thighs, their nose, their toes, their voice, and their choice. "I AM!" comes the response that little readers will echo loudly and happily. From Stephanie Allain and Jenny Klion, debut authors who are longtime friends and activists for equity in Hollywood, comes an invigorating anthem brought to colorful life in the energetic artwork of Marissa Valdez.
An entertaining picture book that teaches the importance of asking for permission first as a young girl attempts to escape the curious hands that want to touch her hair.
It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she's chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens . . . until, finally, Aria has had enough!
Author-illustrator Sharee Miller takes the tradition of appreciation of black hair to a new, fresh, level as she doesn't seek to convince or remind young readers that their curls are beautiful -- she simply acknowledges black beauty while telling a fun, imaginative story.
A picture book edition of the bestselling board book about consent, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood development and activism against injustice, this topic-driven book offers clear, concrete language and imagery to introduce the concept of consent. This book serves to normalize and celebrate the experience of asking for and being asked for permission to do something involving one's body. It centers on respect for bodily autonomy, and reviews the many ways that one can say or indicate "No."
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race, gender, and our bodies from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Illustrative art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.
Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn't like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent--from author Carrie Finison and the number 1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The World Needs More Purple People, Daniel Wiseman.
Doug doesn't like hugs. He thinks hugs are too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, too smooshy. He doesn't like hello hugs or goodbye hugs, game-winning home run hugs or dropped ice cream cone hugs, and he definitely doesn't like birthday hugs. He'd much rather give a high five--or a low five, a side five, a double five, or a spinny five. Yup, some people love hugs; other people don't. So how can you tell if someone likes hugs or not? There's only one way to find out: Ask! Because everybody gets to decide for themselves whether they want a hug or not.
In this empowering picture book, Miriam navigates her confusion about an unprovoked kiss--finding her voice and using it to assert her personal boundaries.
Miriam is so surprised when her friend Connor kisses her that she doesn't know how to react. Not sure what to do, she turns to the people around her--her best friend, the recess monitor, her teacher--but everyone has a different reaction and advice for Miriam. It's not until she gets home and talks with her mom that Miriam stops to ask herself how she feels about Connor's kiss.
With simple text and expressive illustrations, Connor Kissed Me introduces young readers to consent and bodily autonomy in plain terms: always ask someone if it's okay to kiss or hug and listen if they say no!
"Consent is something that is freely given. When that's not the case, it's not consent."
"When everyone asks for consent, and respects the given answer, the world is a safer and better place."
Are you ready to learn about consent? (If the answer is no, we'll wait until you're ready!). Consent is a 2-way conversation that always starts with a question. And it's something you ask for, and grant, every single time. Learn what consent is and what it's not, and even practice it yourself! And once you start, never stop asking. It's fun!
Core themes in this book:
Bodies, Bravery, Questions, Safety
A lovebird who doesn't like kisses?!
Rissy's friends and family wonder if she's sick, confused, or rude. But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there's no one right way to show you care?
Rissy No Kissies carries the message that "your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share." A note at the end provides further information for kids, parents, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection.
Teach kids about the importance of consent and body boundaries in this full-color picture book, perfect for parents and young readers.
Explore various scenarios on body boundaries and personal space with your child through Yes Means Yes' charming cast of characters. The book will help children learn why we should not assume another's comfort level, whether it's with classmates, family, authority figures, or strangers. Alongside the mother and child in the story, kids will learn empathy and understanding, as well as how to give voice to their own feelings.
The various, "everyday" scenarios include the desire to touch someone's hair, play that can frustrate or hurt someone, and how someone might feel uncomfortable being touched or approached. Children will learn the importance of using their voice and listening when others use theirs, and parents can use the scenes as a foundation for further conversation.
With adorable, colorful illustrations by Kai Kwong, Yes Means Yes aims to present empathetic and positive ways to instill understanding of how we respect each others' comfort zones. Readers are reminded: "Only you get to control your body. And others get to control their own!"
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