It's Not the Stork!
#1 of 3 in The Family Library Series
What’s inside...
A young girl's curiosity about where babies come from leads to a straightforward and humorous conversation with her mother, who uses simple and accurate language to explain the basics of human reproduction. The girl's questions and her mother's answers are illustrated with playful and educational illustrations that are both fun and informative. The book is an excellent resource for parents and educators who want to provide children with accurate and age-appropriate information about human sexuality and reproduction. In their previous landmark volumes, Harris and Emberley established themselves as the purveyors of reader-friendly, straightforward information on human sexuality for readers as young as seven. Here they successfully tackle the big questions for even younger kids.
Discussion points
What do you think makes families different from each other?
Why is it important to know about our bodies?
How do you feel when you learn something new about how we grow?
What are some ways we can show respect to different kinds of families?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they already know about human bodies and family structures. This will help you gauge their understanding and provide a starting point for deeper conversation.
Encourage a non-judgmental atmosphere. Emphasize that it's okay to have questions and that you're learning together.
Use examples from the book to highlight diversity and inclusiveness in family dynamics and human development.
Relate the topics discussed in the book to your own family experiences and practices to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding human biology
Explanation: Through engaging illustrations and clear explanations, the book introduces children to basic concepts about how their bodies work, including differences between male and female anatomy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop a better understanding of their own bodies and fosters respect for physiological differences among people, promoting inclusivity and body positivity.
Example Lesson: Respect for privacy and boundaries
Explanation: The book discusses the importance of private parts and personal boundaries, teaching children that certain parts of their body are private.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by developing respect for their own and others' personal space, fostering healthy interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book addresses the natural curiosity children have about where babies come from in a factual and age-appropriate manner.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek knowledge through reading and asking questions, building a foundation for lifelong learning and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Open communication
Explanation: The book models open discussions between children and adults about sensitive topics, promoting an environment where questions are welcomed.
Real-World Application: This can lead children to feel more comfortable discussing various topics with their parents or guardians, enhancing family communication and trust.
Example Lesson: Embracing family diversity
Explanation: The book introduces different types of families and the many ways that babies can come into a family, including birth and adoption.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diverse family structures and understand that love is what makes a family, regardless of its composition.