RecommendedReads: CaregiverResources: BodySafety
WeCanSayNo LydiaBowers
PT/ RHJ 158.2 BOWE, L
The story in book five of the We Say What's Okay series helps children to realize that no one is entitled to another's body, which includes things like hair and wheelchairs. Children will be empowered to say no (and it doesn't have to be polite).
YesMeansYes ElaineTai
RHJ 177.1 TAI, E
With adorable, colorful illustrations, 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!”
/ RHPRAIS, A
Gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way. Cheerful and informative, the story focuses on the powerful message of self-love.
PT / RHJ 155.4 BOWE, L
In this sixth book in the We Say What's Okay series, children realize they have agency over their bodies and that they have the power to make decisions for themselves, as well as stay safe.
BB / RHJ 613.6 MADI, M
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and imagery to introduce the concept of consent.
Consent(forKids!) RachelBrian
PT / RHJ 158.2 BRIA, R
This is a guide to consent and bodily autonomy, packed with bright and energetic illustrations. Readers will learn about boundaries and how to set them; ways to respect themselves and others; what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe; and much more.
This straightforward, gentle book offers a tool parents, teachers, and counselors can use to help children feel,
Don’tHugDoug(HeDoesn’tLikeIt) CarrieFinison
Doug prefers not to be hugged, but there are a variety of other ways his loved ones can show him affection.
PFINI, C It’sMyBody:ABookAboutBodyPrivacy
J 362.76 SPIL, L
This brightly coloured, illustrated title explains to children about body privacy and why private parts should be kept private. Children will learn that their body belongs to them and they can say 'no' if they don't want anyone to touch their body.
WeListentoOurBodies LydiaBowers
PT/ RHPBOWE, L
Our bodies let us know if we feel unsafe or might be in danger and can tell us when we are calm or need healthy touch. In this story, Mr. B helps Deja understand what her body is telling her by asking her to describe what her body is feeling.
RHJ 158.2 BABI, C
It’s never too early to teach children about the necessity of boundaries and the power of consent. Developed by therapist Christine Babinec after years of working with survivors of abuse, Want a Hug? is a book about communication, understanding, mutuality, listening, and love.
StephanieAllain&JennyKlion
PALLA, S
This empowering, age-appropriate picture book portrays children asserting in no uncertain terms who is in charge of their bodies, voices and choices, as they proudly and loudly state, "I AM!"
MyBodyBubble
TheresaEmminizer
J 613 EMMI, T
Everyone has a body bubble, or area of personal space. Using reader-friendly language and age-appropriate examples, this book is designed to teach young readers how to establish personal boundaries and practice body autonomy.
MaybeHeJustLikesYou BarbaraDee
JDEE, B
When boys in her class start touching seventh-grader Mila and making her feel uncomfortable, she does not want to tell her friends or mother until she reaches her breaking point.
Author Kimberly King takes the fear out of sexualabuse prevention and makes it child-friendly and approachable, so you can confidently communicate with children and protect them from harm.