Children's Books on Sex Ed
So here's my latest "find" online - a book released this year for teaching 4-8 year olds about sex. I haven't checked it out in person at the bookstore, but the cover and online reviews intrigue me to no end. Here 'tis:
Here's one review:
From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 2–Willy is not good at math but excels at swimming. He and his nemesis, Butch, practice every day for the Great Swimming Race. Finally, armed with goggles, a number, and two maps, he and 300 million other competitors swim madly for the prize–the egg inside Mrs. Browne. Willy is a sperm. All his practicing pays off and he victoriously burrows into the "lovely and soft" egg, which grows and grows in Mrs. Browne's tummy until it becomes a baby girl. But "Where had little Willy gone? Who knows?" However, when little Edna is old enough to start school, she isn't very good at math but she IS very good at swimming. This breezy and amusing romp may not resolve those pesky questions about reproduction but it certainly lends personality to the process of fertilization. The double-entendre title is indicative of the cheeky and humorous text, which is lively, well paced, and essentially accurate. The line and watercolor illustrations perfectly suit the irreverent tone and include a lift-the-flap expanded page and a "find Waldo"-style spread. Both sperm and humans are endearingly expressive. As to the science, an unclothed Mr. and Mrs. Browne are anatomically correct but the racing map of Mrs. Browne's reproductive system is confusingly vague. Nonetheless, adult readers will be thoroughly entertained and children will be charmed if not completely informed. While a relatively innocuous and engaging piece of sex ed, this title could be a potentially provocative addition to picture-book collections.–Carol Ann Wilson, formerly at Westfield Memorial Library, NJ.
Tamara's ever-important note: sex ed will be handled by my husband and myself via conversation, books, examples, and whatever else seems appropriate for our children. We believe that educating children about sex and sexuality is not a "one time" even where you whip out a book or a chart or a video, but that it's simply a part of life. We'll probably be quite open about sex and sexuality. I wouldn't want folks to get the idea that I'm looking for a book to replace good parenting skills and many conversations over a lifetime.
posted by No Longer In Crisis @ 9/20/2005 02:25:00 PM
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