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Wednesday 11 December 2019

What's Down There? & That's My Willy - Children's Body Books Review.

I'm not shy about talking to my kids about personal body stuff. I have the benefit of experience with my older kids and I used to work with the NHS on sexual health, so I got over any embarrassment long ago. It's far easier to talk to your children when they are young, and when they ask, but that doesn't always make it simple.

What's Down There? and That's My Willy are newly released books from author Alex Waldron which are very honest, very clear and very blunt, and the messages they pass on are all positive and essential messages that I have told my own children at some point.

What's Down There? & That's My Willy - Children's Body Books Review.

Both books follow a similar light-hearted rhyming format, first introducing the main character, and then their genitals. It is made clear that these are your own. They're your private parts and it's fine to touch them and explore your own body. It's also fine to say "No" to other people if you don't want them to see or touch you.

That's my willy childrens body book explains its my willy and belongs to me

It suggests telling your parent if you are sore, or need to get changed, because you need to keep yourself clean, dry and comfortable. The advice in the book covers so many angles, including health, personal safety and body confidence.

The illustrations are friendly and not at all sensational, even when it's a page of different looking penis or vulva - to show children that we all look different.

That's My Willy - Children's Body Books Review different penis

The wording is really blunt and it does feel weird reading that in print at first, but it's commonplace, easily understood language and very accessible to children, and their adults.

What is the name for girls genitals what to tell children

I've raised 5 boys. I must have said "If you feel a need to touch your willy, go to the bathroom to do it privately and wash your hands before you leave" approximately a million times.

That's My Willy book with rhyme about being okay to touch yourself, but not on the bus

I don't want to give an age recommendation, because all children are different. Some inquisitive children will know more than you can find in this book at age 4, others may have any concerns or questions until they are 8. Personally I think I'd probably already said everything in this book to all of my children by the age of around 5 or 6, but my 9 and 11 year old boys can both still gain confidence and reassurance from reading it.

What's down there body confidence and safety for girls

And yes, my boys both had a good giggle - but a little light-heartedness between siblings makes it easier to carry on reading, easier to talk to each other, and easier to remember...

At the back of the book is a short 4 page guide for educators, professionals and parents, with further explanation of specific wording and points in the books, and explanations of what is covered by topic - boundaries, privacy, safeguarding, including the PANTS Rules (P is for Privates etc). There's also a short note on Gender Dysphoria and how that can make some children feel very uncomfortable discussing their body.

What's Down There? and That's My Willy are written and illustrated by Alex Waldron and published by Ruby Tuesday Books on thick unbleached paper Both books have 32 pages with illustrations on most. Available to buy now priced £7.99rrp from all good bookshops, including online at Amazon. (Affiliate links below.)




We were sent our copies of That's My Willy and What's Down There? for review. *Amazon links are affiliate, which means I earn a few pence as a thank you for my time if you order through my link, but you don't pay any extra.

4 comments:

  1. These look like fantastic books. Really blunt and informative with no beating around the bush. It's better to speak to children with facts instead of being all airy fairy. x

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    1. I totally agree. I honestly think you may as well say it proud and loud, and then you don't get those embarrassed whispery conversations when they're 10!

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  2. The books are definitely honest and to the point! I like the way they rhyme and make for an interesting, humorous read for kids! Sim x

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    1. I think kids are going to grin and giggle a bit at first - the humour makes that okay and gets you past the embarrassment :D

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