My Body Is Private (Albert Whitman Prairie Books) (Paperback)

by Linda Walvoord Girard (Author), Rodney Pate (Illustrator) "When he left, he patted my head to show he was still my friend..." (more)
Key Phrases: Uncle Ted

Editorial Reviews

Review
..."does a better job than many of striking a nice balance between a calm attitude about the likelihood of harassment and a serious attitude about what to do if it occurs."

Product Description
A mother-child conversation introduces the topic of sexual abuse and ways to keep one's body private. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 26 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807553190
• ISBN-13: 978-0807553190
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #25,184 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

162 of 164 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the best book I've found so far on the subject, September 7, 2002

By	christinemm - The Thinking Mother (Connecticut, United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

I like the gentle nature of this story: a conversation between a mother and her daughter. The illustrations are very nicely done although they are not as detailed or done in color as on the cover (just so you know what to expect).

All the important issues are discussed in a non-frightening yet serious manner and without providing too much detail about what can happen during a sexual abuse encounter. My goal is to educate my male children about prevention of sexual abuse without enlightening them with details about what actually can and does happen during a sexual abuse encounter; there is an element of innocence I wish to protect at their young ages of two and five.

This is the sequence of the content of this story:
Privacy is defined and several examples are given, and private body parts are described as those covered by a bathing suit. The body parts for both girls and boys are named here using the proper terminology for both male and female genitals and the term "bottom" for the buttocks and anal area. The girl states she already knows that no one can touch her in any way she doesn't like, whether it involves her private parts or any other part of her body, such as not wanting to sit on her uncle's lap. Examples of touching that are enjoyed are given such as cuddling with a dog and dancing with Dad. Tickling is described as fun but that sometimes it can go too far and no longer be fun. The girl is encouraged to say "no" to anyone at any time if she doesn't want them touching her (in sexual or non-sexual ways without using the term "sexual"). The mother explains that it is the feelings of the girl that are most important, not the person who she is asking to stop or saying no to, because the girl worried that if she said no she would hurt the feelings of the other person. The mother warns the girl not to allow anyone to touch her private parts or take photos of them, and she should not touch the private parts of another person. The offending person is said to possibly be a stranger or someone she knows such as a friend or relative. The girl is told to shout "no" and to run the other way, then to tell the parent or caregiver or teacher what happened.

The only thing that I think would make this a more perfect book would be if the parent were talking to a brother and sister at the same time and if the example of touching that the child didn't like was not the stereotypical and common example of adult male with young girl. I'd prefer more examples to illustrate that a boy can be abused as well as a girl. I am amazed that children's books about prevention of sexual abuse never give the example that a boy can be a victim, or that both males and females can be an abuser. Lastly, the mother warns against older children inappropriately touching her and I think it should simply say "other children" as abuse can happen with both younger and same-aged peers. Despite these few issues, this is the best book that I have found to read aloud to my children and I do highly recommend it. Regarding my complaints, I realize that I can address these issues in conversations with my boys.

176 of 182 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mommy, I remembered that book, August 23, 2000

By A Customer

Teach your children well. This book saved my eight-year old daughter from further assault.

A couple years years ago I bought this book for a friend and just decided to by one for our family. My daughter was six at the time.

Recently we moved and the company-hired workers arrived. That afternoon as I was watching my children play together, I thought how cute they are - precious six-year old brother and eight-year old daughter side-by-side. I ran upstairs to the kitchen although the door was open between us and 6 other people were within earshot including their father and and an on-site manager.

My daughter came upstairs and told me that a worker put his hands in her pants. He began to lead her to a closed area. She lied to him; got away from him; and came to me. "Mommy, I remembered what that book, "My Body Is Private" said. I remembered that you told me anything inside my underwear is private.

Teach your chldren well. Buying this non-threatening book with a happy ending saved my daughter from ... who knows.

THANK YOU Linda Walvoord Girard. Although my daughter was tricked and hurt within seconds in her own home, you have saved a child.

Just as you teach a child to walk safely across the street without instilling fear of streets or cars, you can keep your child safe without instilling fear. My daughter was never afraid until she needed to be -- AND SHE ACTED. No secrets, no further abuse, no threats........ she saved herself through the knowledge she gathered through our reading this book together.

I am forever grateful to the author.

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best of its Kind I've Read To-Date!, February 10, 2003

By A Customer

I ordered 5 sexual abuse prevention books. Among them, this was my favorite. It 1st introduces the topics of privacy, personal space, and saying "no," before delving into more serious topics. Children are most often victimized by a family member, neighbor, or family friend and the book addresses this fact by simply stating that these people in addition to strangers are not allowed to pull your pants down, take nude photos,etc. These scenarios are very real and children need to learn what exactly they're supposed to object to. Other books of the same topic were too general and in essence equate to the familiar theme of "never talk to strangers" without going into more depth. I also think this book is a good length and ends on a positive note. The illustrations are black/white, but the text and drawings definitely make up for this. Finally, I recommend it for ages 3-9.