Sexuality Education Books for Children* Parents and caregivers are -- and ought to be -- their children's primary sexuality educators. The following books can create "teachable moments" to begin or continue ongoing age-appropriate conversations about sexuality. Disclaimer notice: These books contain positive messages about sexuality. Some may however, contain messages or information that needs updating (particularly information on HIV/AIDS). Parents are encouraged to keep updated on these subjects and to review resources before using them. Bellybuttons are Navels Mark Schoen This book is intended to help parents create a relaxed environment for the discussion of sexuality. It will help parents initiate and guide matter-of-fact, accurate discussions about sexual anatomy with their young children. 1990, ISBN 0879755857 (Hardcover) Daddy's Roommate Michael Willhoite Using simple language and color illustration, this book is intended for very young children. The main character is a young boy who talks about his Daddy and his Daddy's roommate Frank. He mentions all the fun activities they do together including going to the beach and the zoo. It concludes with the statement "being gay is just one more kind of love. And love is the best kind of happiness." 1991, ISBN 1555831184 (Paperback); 1990, ISBN 1555831788 (Hardcover) Did the Sun Shine Before You Were Born?: A Sexuality Education Primer Sol and Judith Gordon Targeted to children three to seven years old, this book focuses on the family and how it grows. It explains everything from conception to birth. Illustrated with multicultural charcoal drawings, this book fosters communication between parents and children by the sharing values and ideas. 1992, ISBN 087975723X (Paperback) Heather Has Two Mommies Leslea Newman Written for children ages three to eight, this book talks about Heather and her two lesbian mothers. It is written in simple language and supplemented with charcoal illustrations, emphasizes that each family is special and love is what is important. 2000, ISBN 1555835430 (Paperback); 1991, ISBN 0613787145 (Hardcover) How You Were Born Joanna Cole This book is designed to tell children about birth in a simple way. Using colorful photographs, it can be read to children or pictures can be discussed. An important note to parents is included. 1994, ISBN 068812061x (Paperback); 1991, ISBN 0688120598 (Hardcover) How Was I Born? Lennart Nilsson and Lena Katarina Swanberg This book uses color photographs to illustrate the miracle of birth. It provides a story for younger children as well as more detailed information for older children. 1996, ISBN 0440507677 (Paperback); 1994, ISBN 0385313578 (Hardcover) It’s so Amazing: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies And Families Robie H. Harris, Illustrated by Michael Emberley Intended for children ages 7 to 12, this book provides accurate information about sexuality is presented in a reader-friendly style. Age-appropriate illustrations and humor address conception, pregnancy, birth, anatomy, sexual orientation, HIV, love, sex, gender, and families. 2002, ISBN 0763613215 (Paperback); 1999, ISBN 0763600512 (Hardcover) A Kid's First Book About Sex Joani Blank Intended for children ages five to nine, this book discusses body parts, sexual feelings, sexual behaviors, sexual orientation, and sexual and personal relationships with other people. 1993, ISBN 940208075 (Paperback); 1993, ISBN 0613777786 (Hardcover) My Body Belongs to Me Kristin Baird This book is designed to help young children develop self-esteem and positive body image. It is intended to help them develop respect and understanding for their bodies if they are threatened with sexual abuse or exploitation. It presents these safety rules: Say no in a loud voice, move away to a safe place, and tell a grown-up who can help. 1996, ISBN 0886711738 (Paperback); 1986, ISBN 9992383844 (Hardcover) My Dad Has HIV Earl Alexander, Sheila Rudin, and Pam Sejkora In this book, seven-year-old Linsey relates the facts about HIV and AIDS. It has wonderful color illustrations, and clear, sensitive language that young children can easily understand. 1996, ISBN 0925190993 (Hardcover) So That’s How I Was Born! Dr. Robert Brooks, Illustrated by Susan Perl In this book for children 4-8 years of age, Joey’s parents explain reproduction. It can be used by parents to help articulate and answer questions that young children frequently ask or for children to read on their own. 1993, ISBN 0671783440 (Paperback); 1983, ISBN 0671445015 (Hardcover) What's the Big Secret? Talking About Sex with Girls and Boys Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown This wonderfully colorful, illustrated book for children presents information and answers about sexuality. It addresses how boys and girls differ, anatomy, reproduction, pregnancy, and birth. It also discusses feelings, touching, and privacy. 2000, ISBN 0316101834 (Paperback); 1997, ISBN 0316109150 (Hardcover) Where Did I Come From? A Guide for Children and Parents: African-American Edition Peter Mayle This book uses humor and bright illustrations to explain to children anatomy, intercourse, orgasm, fertilization, pregnancy, and birth. 2000, ISBN 0818402539 (Paperback); 2000, ISBN 0818406089 (Hardcover) Where Did I Come From? The Facts of Life Without Any Nonsense and with Illustrations Peter Mayle Celebrating it's 20th anniversary, this book uses humor and bright illustrations to explain to children anatomy, intercourse, orgasm, fertilization, pregnancy, and birth. 2000, ISBN 0818402539 (Paperback); 1997, ISBN 0818405813 (Hardcover) Where Do Babies Come From? Susan Meredith This book presents information in an easy-to-read and colorful format. Topics include fertilization, pregnancy, birth, and the effects of having a new baby in the family. It is particularly good for a child who is expecting a new sibling. It includes an index. 1992, ISBN 074600690X (Paperback); 1992, ISBN 0746006918 (Hardcover) Where Do Babies Come From? Angela Royston This books uses clear, simple language and photographs. It will help young children understand how life begins, revealing the basic processes of reproduction and showing how they are repeated in various species in the animal kingdom. 2001, ISBN 0789405792 (Hardcover) * Click on the book cover to order directly from amazon.com. Once you click on a link and place an order for any product on amazon.com, SIECUS will receive a donation of up to 15% per item.

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