My Body Belongs to Me [Hardcover]

Jill Starishevsky (Author), Sara Muller (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009 | Age Range: 3 - 5 years

Speaking to children on their own terms, this critically acclaimed book sensitively establishes boundaries for youngsters. In a non-threatening, engaging manner, this guide teaches kids that when it comes to their body, there are some parts that are for “no one else to see” and empowers them to tell a parent or teacher if someone touches them inappropriately. Telling the story of a gender-neutral child who is inappropriately touched by an uncle’s friend, this tale delivers a powerful moral when the youngster reveals the offender and the parents praise the child’s bravery. Most importantly, this narrative assures young ones that sexual molestation is not their fault, and by speaking out, the child will continue to grow big and strong. A “Suggestions for the Storyteller” section is also included to assist in facilitating a comfortable discussion afterwards, thereby helping to prevent the unthinkable from happening to any child. With inspirational rhyming and beautiful illustrations, this is a compelling and uplifting message of what is right and wrong.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—Presented in story format and narrated by a young child in rhyming couplets, this short book encourages children who have been sexually abused to talk to someone they trust. Written by a prosecutor of sex offenders, it is intended to begin a discussion on a topic that may be uncomfortable for parents but is vital for children since many of them do not know whether or how to tell someone when they are touched inappropriately. Youngsters are reassured that they are not to blame when this happens. Average-quality watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations on solid white backgrounds face a page of large-print text. "Suggestions for the Storyteller" gives advice to parents on how to broach this subject, while two pages of "Where to Find Help" give related phone numbers and Web addresses. In only 19 sentences, this simple book will empower children while promoting open communication.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI END

Review

“Advocacy groups around the country say it will be in an important tool for parents.”  —Colleen Long, Associated Press

“Prevention is key when it comes to children’s personal safety. Kudos to Ms. Starishevsky for taking on this project.”  —Kimberley Clayton Blaine, founder, TheGoToMom.TV

“This is the first children’s book I’ve seen that really addresses the issues in a way that kids can understand and that doesn’t seem scary or heavy-handed. ”  —Pattie Fitzgerald, founder, Safely Ever After, Inc.

“Finally, a book that explains to children in a clear, understandable way what child sexual abuse is, why it’s not their fault, and why it is critical to tell an adult when it happens.”  —Ross Ellis, founder and CEO, Love Our Children, USA

"With an easy rhyme and attractive pictures, this book will help both adults and children enter into a conversation about a subject that is often extremely hard for anyone to speak about, privately or publicly." —Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, founder and CEO, Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 3 - 5 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Safety Star Media; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982121601
• ISBN-13: 978-0982121603
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 0.4 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #44 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Child Abuse
  • #47 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Dysfunctional Relationships

More About the Author

Jill Starishevsky is an Assistant District Attorney in New York City, where she has prosecuted hundreds of sex offenders and dedicated her career to seeking justice for victims of child abuse and sex crimes. Outside the courtroom, Jill's fondness for writing led her to create thepoemlady.com, where she pens personalized pieces. Her mission to protect children, along with her penchant for poetry, inspired My Body Belongs to Me, www.MyBodyBelongstoMe.com. A mother of three, Jill is also founder of HowsMyNanny.com, a service that enables parents to purchase a license plate for their child's stroller so the public can report positive or negative nanny observations.

Speaking to children on their own terms, this critically acclaimed book sensitively establishes boundaries for youngsters. In a non-threatening, engaging manner, this guide teaches kids that when it comes to their body, there are some parts that are for "no one else to see" and empowers them to tell a parent or teacher if someone touches them inappropriately.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great concept but best for pre-readers March 12, 2010

By Lisa K.

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book on the strength of the reviews and the straightforward concept, and I was not disappointed by the book's core content. However, there are lengthy passages before and after the story that are intended for parents, detailing the mission of the book. Well, this poses a bit of a problem for me. My 7-year-old is an avid reader, and she will read every word. If she's anything like I was when I was a kid, she'll especially scrutinize the parts that are clearly intended for adults (smaller font, no pictures).

I'm no prude, but in the "About the Book" section, it starts off "As a prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes in New York City for more than a decade, I have often encountered children who were sexually abused for lengthy periods of time..." Yeah, I just can't imagine myself trying to explain what this means to my daughter. I thought about cutting out the leading and closing pages that make frequent use of the terms "sexual abuse," but I'd lose part of the core story.

To be fair, this book is clearly written for pre-readers... the tone/cadence are most appropriate for preschoolers (e.g., "This is my body, and it belongs just to me. I have knees and elbows and lots of parts you see."). And this would be a great book to read aloud to pre-readers. But the listing described it as appropriate for 3-10 year olds (if I remember correctly), and I just have to say I can't imagine how it would work for older kids.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Other Ways To Present Topic June 25, 2011

By Marchbug2000

Format:Hardcover

We returned the book because we thought there were other gentler ways to discuss this topic with our child. While we think sexual abuse/assault are of utmost importance to discuss with children (which is why we purchased the book), the way the story is told is creepy and may create unnecessary scary thoughts and pictures in a child's mind, like the man who came over and inappropriately touch the narrator. We were disappointed because we were looking forward to sharing this book with our daughter. We read so many good reviews on it and saw a discussion of it on a well-known national talk show. So we thought it'd be good. But we just got creeped out reading it and don't feel comfortable sharing this somewhat detailed account of child sex abuse with our child. Just a personal opinion.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, A Book for Parents and Children May 3, 2010

By Katrina Masterson

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a child advocate for well over 30 years, it's a relief for me that finally, a powerful book has been written for parents and children! Through her beautiful poetry and storytelling talents, Jill Starishevsky empowers children, as young as three, to own their bodies and to seek help if they are being sexually abused. As an experienced prosecutor of child abuse and sex crimes, Jill Starishevsky knows first hand where the gaps are; she's filled them with this book! I recommend this book to all parents; it provides helpful discussion tips for parents, as well, since it's often difficult to introduce this critical topic to children in conversation. I'm so grateful that Jill Starishevsky used her experience to protect and nurture innocent children, and prevent child sexual abuse.