Tell Me

What Children Really Want to Know About Bodies, Sex and Emotions

Katharina Von Der Gathen author Anke Kuhl illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Gecko Press

Published:1st Aug '19

£11.99

Available for immediate dispatch.

Tell Me cover

"Every family and school needs a book of this kind and this is one of the best we’ve seen: successful around the world and recommended by booksellers—and funny too." Julia Marshall, Publisher

99 children's questions about sexuality are answered with clarity and humour-an absolutely contemporary, essential book for girls and boys approaching puberty.Everything children really want to know about sexuality and bodies-and aren't afraid to ask. This book collects questions asked by boys and girls and answers them directly: the questions are real, the answers honest and the images funny. How much sex education do children need? As much as they ask for, say the experts. And exactly what do children want to know? Ask them! This book collects questions asked anonymously by children in classes about the human body, love and sexuality by experienced sex educationist Katharina von der Gathen. The answers are both direct and warm-hearted, giving children the information they really want to know in a form they can relate to. What is so important about the body? Why do bodies grow hair? Why do people kiss? Is it embarrassing to have sex? Why do breasts hang down? What does it feel like to be in love? Can a grandmother have children? What is a hormone? Can a child fart when it's inside a mother's body? What is sexy?

"As the subtitle indicates, this German import answers a whole host of questions kids curious about sex want the answers to. There are 99 in all, covering anatomy, puberty, reproduction, sexual and gender identity, and, of course, sex. The book opens vertically, with the page below the gutter displaying both the handwritten question and a cartoon drawing, frequently humorous. The second question, 'Are there different penises, ' is illustrated with a double lineup of 10 unengorged penises complete with hair and scrota, some circumcised, some not, all verifiably different. Its placement so early in the book ensures readers know what they're getting into in terms of both tone and frankness. Sex educator von der Gathen's answers appear on the flip side; all employ appropriate vocabulary that's respectful of the capabilities of their audience and are calmly inclusive of variations in human and cultural experience. While the book early on establishes the fact that there are 'people who identify as a different gender than the one they are born with, ' it often uses gendered language to describe experiences: 'Girls get their periods for the first time and boys have their first ejaculation' during puberty, for instance. When discussing sexual intimacy, the importance of consent is ever present. Kuhl's cartoons depict adults and children of different racial presentations and include several same-sex couples. Funny and frank, this will be an important resource for many kids."--Kirkus Reviews --Journal

ISBN: 9781776572328

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

208 pages