LET’S TALK ABOUT BODY BOUNDARIES, CONSENT AND RESPECT

LET’S TALK ABOUT BODY BOUNDARIES, CONSENT AND RESPECT

A book to teach children about body ownership, respectful relationships, feelings and emotions, choices, and recognizing bullying behaviors

Author: Jayneen Sanders
Illustrator: Sarah Jennings

There are many topics for discussion in this book that introduce young children to ideas of body awareness, respectful interactions and emotions. The author, Jayneen Sanders, presents difficult topics in an easy to understand, straightforward manner for young children. She begins with identifying and defining your body boundary. Throughout the book Sanders presents examples of everyday situations children may be in. She describes appropriate ways to respond, specific words to use and how to read verbal and nonverbal emotions. Sanders describes a “Safety Network,” or three to five adults whom you (the child) trusts. LET’S TALK ABOUT BODY BOUNDARIES, CONSENT AND RESPECT ends with three important concepts to emphasis with young children. A significant bonus at the end of the book is a discussion guide for parents, caregivers and educators.


LET’S TALK ABOUT BODY BOUNDARIES, CONSENT AND RESPECT is a wonderful introduction for three to four years old children as you start to discuss body awareness concepts. It could easily be shared in a school setting along with being a resourceful book for families. This book continues to present relevant situations for eight to ten year old children; it would be a springboard for more in depth conversations around these important concepts. The illustrations are engaging-- colorful, funny, full of detail and diversity such as skin color, glasses, a hijab and a child in a wheelchair. The illustrator creates a visible body boundary to reinforce this abstract concept. For topics as simple as standing in line or sharing a toy to what the word consent means, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interacting with young children.