The every body book of consent

This British import comes from a clinical psychotherapist and offers straightforward advice and strategies to help kids develop agency over their own bodies. A couple of introductory pages for grown-ups are followed by accessible language explaining how everyone has the right to feel safe in their own personal space. The text and illustrations define personal body areas, beginning with elementary school age--appropriate examples: tickling, tussling, hugging, kissing. Readers are reassured that, unlike babies, older children have voices and are allowed to use them. Subsequent chapters ease into sexual contact. An especially effective series of illustrations show slightly older cartoon kids facing each other and modeling realistic exchanges. When asked, "Can I kiss you?" various responses ("Um . . . I don't know; I want to, but I can't . . ." ) are definitively interpreted as "No!" responses. Another series offers ways to keep communication open: "I don't feel ready to kiss, but can I hug you?" Additional topics include keeping secrets, asking for help, and being an upstander, plus brief considerations of verbal insults and visual taunts (unsolicited exposure to pornography). A final chapter offers online resources and a glossary. Both families and independent readers will appreciate this diverse, inclusive, no-nonsense guide.