Book review – Everyone’s got a bottom by Tess Rowley
As a parent, the topic of child sexual abuse is confronting. However, given the prevalence of this type of abuse in society, it it a topic that warrants consideration (ideally without fear). I have come across threads on parenting pages that recommended opening an age appropriate dialogue with children on this topic (to help keep them safe), and I was wondering how to go about it? I chatted to my cousin who is a psychologist and she recommended ‘Everyone’s got a bottom’ by Queensland Family Planning.
I have started reading it to Bubba G (who is almost two) and she absolutely loves it. It is great because it teaches the correct anatomical names of male and female private parts with cartoon illustrations. It also teaches children that they should not keep any secrets about their bodies and that they should talk to an adult that they trust if they have any concerns. A fantastic tip that my cousin gave me was that in her family they have surprises (like birthday presents), but they do not have secrets. This concept is also presented in the book.
The book also teaches children an affirmation that is easy to remember ‘from your head to your toes you can say what goes’.
This is from the back cover:
‘We all have bodies and we all want to keep them safe.
Everyone’s got a bottom is a story about Ben and his brother and sister learning and talking together about bodies. It is a tool for parents and carers to gently start a conversation with children about self protection.
It’s about children keeping safe in a style that is fun, positive and protective’. Family Planning Queensland
And this is from the FPQ website:
‘Everyone’s got a bottom is a collaboration between Family Planning Queensland, writer Tess Rowley, illustrator Jodi Edwards and experts from the early childhood and child protection sectors.
Tess Rowley is a Queensland author and educator who has worked in child abuse prevention for over 20 years. She has written children’s books on personal safety, self esteem, children with a father in prison and children who have experienced domestic violence. Tess also writes humorous poetry and songs.
Jodi Edwards graduated from Griffith University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Visual Arts, majoring in Illustration. Jodi has won numerous state and national awards for her corporate design work and creative illustrations during her eight years working with Creative Plantation’.
You can purchase this awesome book from our favourite local book seller: Phoenix Rising Books.
With love and light
6 Comments
Hey Helene, I was asking on a forum about recommendations for a book on body awareness and safety a couple of months ago and no one had any suggestions. So I was interested to come across your review. I had come across this book in my own searches. Just wondering what ages you think it would be appropriate for? Good for a 4-5 year old?
Hi Sam. Lovely to see you here. My cousin recommended it for children Bubb G’s age and up. Her little one has just started school and it is his favourite book. I think it would be perfect for a 4-5 year old. We have also bought ‘I said no! A kid-to-kid guide to keeping private parts private’ by Zack and Kimberly King. It is great for older children. I will write a review about it too. I ordered it from http://phoenixrisingbooks.com in Glebe (we love supporting local businesses).
Good to hear, thanks Helene. We’ll give it a go. Looking forward to reading your review of the other book too!
Awesome review. I love this book as is mentioned (me being the cousin!) my eight year old also still enjoys this book. Look forward to some more reviews.
Where can I buy this book “Evetyone’s got a bottom”?
Hi Ann
Apologies for my delayed response. I did a quick Google search ‘purchase everyone’s got a bottom’ and a number of retailers came up. Here is one:
http://www.lighthouseresources.com.au/bookshop/picture-book/everyone-s-got-a-bottom/
Kindest regards
Helene