This post is part of a series of posts covering books on sex education. In it I address preteens and kids sexuality. As we all know, it is important for children to learn about their bodies, gender roles and identity, as well as consent and respect.
To help with this process, I went ahead and did an extensive search and came up with this collection featuring some of the best sex education books for kids. The list includes books like It’s So Amazing! , It’s Not the Stork! Who is My Family, and many more.
These books provide clear and age-appropriate information about the sex concepts that kids need to know including consent, reproduction, female and male body anatomy, puberty, relationships, among others.
The purpose of these books is to help parents, educators and caregivers answer questions about these topics in a safe and respectful way. As well as to provide kids with the tools they need to develop into confident individuals.
I hope you find this list helpful. Feel free to share your suggestions, recommendations, and feedback.
Sex Education Books for Kids
Here are our top picks for sex education books for kids:
1. It’s So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families, by Robie H. Harris
It’s So Amazing! by Robie H. Harris is an informative and fun resource for children age seven and up to gain knowledge and understanding of reproduction and baby development. This newly updated fifteenth anniversary edition uses comic-book style artwork along with a clear and lively text to answer children’s questions about sex and sexuality in a healthy and age-appropriate way.
2. What Makes a Baby, by Cory Silverberg
What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg is an informative read for readers from preschool to age eight. The book celebrates the diversity of modern families with its inclusiveness and non-gendering of people and body parts. Through this book, parents and educators can discuss conception, gestation, and birth to children in an age appropriate way without erasing their own experience.
3. Asking About Sex & Growing Up: A Question-and-Answer Book for Kids, by Joanna Cole
Asking About Sex & Growing Up by Joanna Cole is a valuable resource for preteens. It offers up-to-date facts and information about sexuality in an approachable, nonjudgmental style that encourages open conversations between young people and their parents or caregivers.
This book covers topics such as puberty and development, sexual orientation and gender identity, contraception and safer sex practices, the basics of reproduction and conception, emotional issues related to sexuality, and more.
4. Mommy Laid An Egg: Or, Where Do Babies Come From?, by Babette Cole
In Mommy Laid An Egg, author Babette Cole provides an entertaining and informative look at a subject all children will eventually ask about – where do babies come from?
When asked, Mom and Dad provide amusingly silly answers, such as getting them from gingerbread or under rocks. But the children set them straight with a series of funny diagrams that illustrate the true source of babies. This lighthearted book is sure to be an enjoyable read for both kids and adults alike.
5. Who’s in My Family?: All About Our Families, by Robie H. Harris
Who’s in My Family? by Robie H. Harris is a book that celebrates the unique and wonderful diversity of family structures. The story follows two siblings, Nellie and Gus, as they go to the zoo and observe animal families of different sizes and configurations.
Later, they invite their friends and relatives over for dinner and talk about their own family. The book is filled with humorous illustrations that show a range of families from single-parent households to same-sex couples, blended families, and traditional nuclear families.
6. Let’s Talk About the Birds and the Bees: Starting conversations about the facts of life, by Potter Molly
Let’s Talk About the Birds and the Bees is a picture book by Potter Molly that aims to help parents and carers explain the facts of life to young children. The book uses clear and easy-to-understand language to address complex topics such as puberty, sex, reproduction, relationships and consent.
It features bright and fun illustrations, as well as helpful advice for parents and carers. The book is intended to help make children comfortable with their bodies and answer any questions they may have about the facts of life in an honest and delicate manner. Let’s Talk About the Birds and the Bees is a great resource for teaching children about sex education in an age-appropriate way.
7. Nonnie Series on Sex Education
Nonnie Series features some important books on sex education for kids. These include:
A. Nonnie Talks about Consent
Nonnie Talks about Consent teaches children and young adults about consent, setting boundaries, and respecting others. The story follows two main characters, Tamika and Alex, who learn how to talk about their feelings and take ownership of their decisions. The book is designed for adults and children in grades 3 – 8.
B. Nonnie Talks about Gender
Nonnie Talks about Gender is a book that seeks to teach children, and those around them, about gender, gender roles and identity. The book features the story of two best friends – Alex and Tamika – whose many questions about gender are answered by Alex’s grandmother, Nonnie.
C. Nonnie Talks about Puberty
Nonnie Talks about Puberty is a book that seeks to provide guidance and support to children, their parents, and adults during puberty. It covers a wide range of topics including gender identity, gender fluidity, and cisgender. The book emphasizes kindness in its lessons and validates all children regardless of their gender or identity.
D. Nonnie Talks about Pregnancy and Birth
Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s book is recommended for children in grades 3-8. It covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, what happens during pregnancy and the differences between vaginal birth and cesarean section. It also briefly touches upon more sensitive subjects like miscarriage and fertility challenges.
8. It’s Not the Stork!: A Book About Girls, Boys, Babies, Bodies, Families and Friends, by Robie H. Harris
It’s Not the Stork! by Robie H. Harris is a book designed to help answer young children’s questions about where babies come from, what makes them a boy or girl, and other aspects of their bodies. Through fun artwork and simple language, Harris and illustrator Michael Emberley provide clear and age-appropriate information. Two cartoon characters – a curious bird and a squeamish bee – help to add a touch of lightheartedness while addressing the often difficult topics.
9. Who Has What?: All About Girls’ Bodies and Boys’ Bodies, by Robie H. Harris
Who Has What? is an informative and entertaining book written by Robie H. Harris, aimed at helping young children learn about their bodies. Through humorous illustrations, conversations between siblings Nellie and Gus, and clear text, the book reassures young readers that their bodies are normal, healthy, and wonderful.
The accurate illustrations by Nadine Bernard Westcott help to make the book a more inviting and enjoyable way for children to learn about their bodies. Who Has What? is a good resource that answers many of the questions young readers may have, helping them gain a greater understanding and acceptance of themselves.
10. Amazing You!: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts, by Dr. Gail Saltz
The book Amazing You! by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Gail Saltz, provides vital and age-appropriate information about the anatomy and physiology of young children who are just becoming aware of their bodies. With a warm and honest approach, this book helps parents answer those inevitable questions about reproduction and birth in a way that kids can understand and appreciate. This book is an excellent resource for parents who are looking for a safe and respectful way to introduce the topic of sex education to their young.
11. Yes, Your Kid: What Parents Need to Know About Today’s Teens and Sex, by Debby Herbenick PhD (Author), Susan C. Stone Esq. Kristina W. Supler Esq.
I just discovered “Yes, Your Kid: What Parents Need to Know About Today’s Teens and Sex” through a New York Times article, and it’s a vital read for parents in the digital era. Authored by Debby Herbenick PhD, with legal experts Susan C. Stone Esq. and Kristina W. Supler Esq., this book confronts the realities of teenage sexuality shaped by sexting, internet porn, and social media. It offers a frank exploration of topics like consent, communication, and the changing dynamics of sexual behaviors. What makes it invaluable is its practical guidance – from age-appropriate conversations about puberty and consent to navigating legal pitfalls in today’s sexual landscape.
Final thoughts
Curating this list has been an enlightening experience, underscoring the critical role of comprehensive sex education for young readers. These books don’t just cover the basics; they delve into essential topics like consent, gender identity, and diverse family structures, all wrapped up in age-appropriate language and engaging visuals. Whether you’re a parent or an educator, think of these books as invaluable tools that can help you foster nuanced conversations and create safe spaces for children to learn and grow.
