What's the Big Secret?: Talking about Sex with Girls and Boys (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Illustrator) "From the moment your life begins, you are either a boy or a girl..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Using straight text as well as cartoons including dialogue balloons, this "chatty yet frank" book, according to PW, "will put young readers--and their parents--totally at ease." Ages 4-8. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3?How can you tell a boy from a girl? What are the proper terms for genitalia? How do you make a baby? Where does a belly button come from? The Browns answer these and similar questions in an honest, but superficial way that will satisfy some youngsters, but leave others with many questions unanswered. Overly detailed for younger children and too incomplete for those nearing puberty, this information will be most useful as a bridge between books meant for preschoolers describing birth and those that tackle the process of maturation, sexuality, and the responsibilities and choices that come with growing up. The illustrations are excellent: colorful and cartoonlike, yet clear in their representation of human anatomy in both internal and external views. The layout and cover design will attract youngsters and their familiarity with this author/illustrator team will also add to its appeal. The greatest value of this work, however, will be in promoting dialogue between caregivers and children, especially if they read it together, but adults should be prepared to field many ancillary questions not covered in the text.?Melissa Gross, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316101834
• ISBN-13: 978-0316101837
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,379 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( B ) > Brown, Marc
  #2 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > Sexuality
  #2 in	Books > Teens > Social Issues > Dating & Intimacy > Nonfiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book but not really for kids under 7...., June 17, 2003

By	M. Leboeuf "mareson228" (F.R., MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: What's the Big Secret?: Talking about Sex with Girls and Boys (Hardcover)

Last summer I read this book to my then just turned 7 & just turned 4 yr old and the youngest was completely clueless as to what I trying to get across. The oldest understood somewhat, wasn't all that interested, but still managed to let a few giggles out. She took the book and read it herself. When I later asked her if she had any questions for me, she had none but commented that it was "embarrassing". The book was put away to age a little longer....
Earlier this week I re-read the book to both of them, now almost 5 and almost 8. The 5 yr old is still clueless and bored with all of it. The 8 yr old seemed a bit more interested and less embarrassed. She took the book and again read it to herself and asked a few "why" questions but nothing I couldn't handle.
In my opinion, this book is great for 7 - 10 yr olds (1st - 3rd grade), not the pre-school - grade 3 that it is catagorized. Enough for 7 - 10 yr olds to comprehend and enough for this age to know. Not overwhelming in technical terms or detail nor is it written in baby terms. I agree with a previous reviewer. When the teen years arrive, more information, terms & detail will need to be divulged but for this pre-teen age. For pre-teens, this book is perfect.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good, September 3, 2003

By	Terri (Bowling Green Oh USA) - See all my reviews

I read this with my 8 year old daughter. She loved the book, and understood the information without being embarrassed. I really liked how it explained the differences between good, loving touches; and bad, uncomfortable touches. I would say this book is best for children over the age of 6. It may be too advanced for the younger ones.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT for my young step-daughter, January 15, 2004

By	"smilinjene" (Brandon, FL) - See all my reviews

I bought this book for my 6 year old step-daughter. She's started asking questions about what a boy looks like and why I won't be having a baby with her daddy (she thinks it just happens because you get married). The pictures in this book are just right for a 6 year old, and there isn't too much information. It certainly settled her "need to know" crisis, and The "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" incident on the playground that I had a nightmare about.