We would like to start by acknowledging that for some parents and caregivers, talking to children about consent, boundaries, and body safety can be difficult. This could be due to discomfort around these topics, lack of knowledge on how to approach them (many of us were not taught about these concepts ourselves), fear of confusing or scaring children, cultural influences, or even from personal experiences of trauma. Dragonfly Centre believes It is never too late to seek support if you have historical experiences of sexual abuse that are impacting you today. Creating an open and supportive environment is crucial for helping children understand these important concepts effectively. Overcoming these challenges in talking about these topics involves educating oneself, starting conversations early, normalizing discussions, and seeking support from resources specializing in these topics – you are in the right place!
We at Dragonfly Centre, believe in the power of education to prevent child sexual abuse and to empower children to navigate the world safely. Just as you would have age-appropriate conversations with your child about things like fire safety, pool safety, home alone safety – you can also have age appropriate conversations about consent, boundaries and body safety. One of the most effective ways to start these conversations with children is through engaging and informative books! Before reading any book with your child, we highly recommend that you read the book yourself first or listen to someone else read it first (YouTube can be helpful for this). While we believe that these books are appropriate and valuable for the suggested age ranges – you may not agree. We encourage you to choose books that reflect the values and messages that you would like instilled in your child. Here are 10 of our recommended reads sorted by age ranges:
Suitable for ages 2 to 5 years old
YES! NO! serves to normalize and celebrate the experience of asking for and being asked for permission to do something involving one’s body. It centers on respect for bodily autonomy, and reviews the many ways that one can say or indicate “No.” Authors Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli & Isabel Roxas. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 2 to 6 years old
This book is a simple introduction to consent and a child’s right to their own personal space. Teaching children about body boundaries is crucial to a child’s growing sense of self, their confidence and how they should expect to be treated by others. This book is part of the Little BIG Chats series. The Body Safety titles by Little BIG Chats should ideally be read in the following order: Consent, My Safety Network, My Early Warning Signs, Private Parts are Private, and Secrets and Surprises. Author Jayneen Sanders, illustrator Cherie Zamazing. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 2 to 6 years old
My Safety Network introduces your child to the concept of a Safety Network. These are 3 to 5 trusted adults in your child’s life who they could confidently turn to if they feel worried or unsafe. This book is part of the Little BIG Chats series. The Body Safety titles by Little BIG Chats should ideally be read in the following order: Consent, My Safety Network, My Early Warning Signs, Private Parts are Private, and Secrets and Surprises. Author Jayneen Sanders, illustrator Cherie Zamazing. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 2 to 6 years old
This book explores children’s Early Warning Signs. Adults and children alike all experience these signs when they feel unsafe, worried, scared and/or excited. Helping children to understand our body’s natural reaction to feeling unsafe and alerting them to know exactly what to do is empowering. This book is part of the Little BIG Chats series. The Body Safety titles by Little BIG Chats should ideally be read in the following order: Consent, My Safety Network, My Early Warning Signs, Private Parts are Private, and Secrets and Surprises. Author Jayneen Sanders, illustrator Cherie Zamazing. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 2 to 6 years old
This book reinforces the correct anatomical names children and adults should use for the private parts; and teaches children what they should do if they are touched inappropriately. This book is part of the Little BIG Chats series. The Body Safety titles by Little BIG Chats should ideally be read in the following order: Consent, My Safety Network, My Early Warning Signs, Private Parts are Private, and Secrets and Surprises. Author Jayneen Sanders, illustrator Cherie Zamazing. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 2 to 6 years old
This book introduces children to the difference between secrets and surprises. Children understanding that they don’t keep secrets only happy surprises because they will always be told is part of their ‘toolkit’ to help keep them safe. This book is part of the Little BIG Chats series. This book is part of the Little BIG Chats series. The Body Safety titles by Little BIG Chats should ideally be read in the following order: Consent, My Safety Network, My Early Warning Signs, Private Parts are Private, and Secrets and Surprises. Author Jayneen Sanders, illustrator Cherie Zamazing. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 3 to 6 years old
The crucial skills taught in this book will help children to protect their bodies from inappropriate touch. Children will be empowered to say in a strong and clear voice, “This is my body! What I say goes!” Through age-appropriate illustrations and engaging text this book will teach children the following crucial and empowering skills in personal body safety. Available in Indigenous Edition. Author Jayneen Sanders, illustrator Anna Hancock. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 3 to 6 years old
“How many hugs is too many? Theo knows―because his body tells him so. This book introduces young children and their families to some of the complexities of consent. Readers see that sometimes even the most loving hugs feel too tight or may not be wanted in the first place. As Theo’s emotions build, he figures out a way to solve his problem and help his family understand his needs. Author Yvonne Pearson, illustrator Maria Burebkina. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 4 to 7 years old
This charming and engaging rhyming story is about a young child who successfully navigates the complexities of an unkind peer relationship. Through The Not-So-Friendly Friend, children will learn an easy and practical lesson about how to firmly and assertively―yet kindly―stand up for themselves in the face of a bully. Author Christina Furnival, illustrator Katie Dwyer. Amazon Affiliate Link.
Suitable for ages 4 to 10 years old
The 26 ‘key’ letters and accompanying words will help children to learn and consolidate age-appropriate, crucial and life-changing body safety and consent skills. Designed as a ‘dip in and dip out’ book, the text, the child-centred questions and the stunning illustrations will reinforce key skills such as consent, respect, body boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, Early Warning Signs, Safety Network, private parts, and the difference between secrets and surprises. Author Jayneen Sanders, illustrator Courtney Dawson. Amazon Affiliate Link.
By incorporating books like these into your family’s reading time, you’re fostering important discussions that promote safety, self-esteem, and healthy relationships. For best results, remember to model the topics and behaviours that were discussed in each book, like asking your child before you give them hugs or kisses.
We are committed to providing resources and support for parents and caregivers to educate and empower children. Together, we can create a safer world for children to grow and thrive. Check back for updates as we are always expanding our library!
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