Bodies
Bodies
Let's talk about sex
Non-fiction
Biological and psychological information about sex: from puberty and conception to birth control and STIs, including sections on the body, families and babies, and sexual health. New edition includes expanded information on internet, texting safety, contraception and LGBT.
Let's talk about the birds and the bees
Non-fiction
Cartoon illustrated book for parents to read to children about differences between male and female reproductive systems, private body parts, sexual intercourse, love, puberty, what touching is ok/not ok, families. Simple facts as a starting point for conversations.
Book review by Cath Hak 6min (external link)
Age: Parents and teachers of 4 to 11 year olds.
Let's talk about where babies come from
Non-fiction
Comics and cartoons outlining: similarities and differences between girls and boys, growing up, reproductive organs, how babies are made, what sex is, what is love, same sex attraction, conception, pregnancy, different types of birth, genetics (e.g. hair colour), different kinds of families, keeping safe (consensual touch), HIV (but not other STI/BBVs). A book that parents/teachers can read to younger children, or older children can read themselves.
Book review by Cath Hak 4min 36sec.
Age: 7 to 11 years.
Making sense of sex: a forthright guide to puberty, sex and relationships for people with Asperger's Syndrome
A paperback book for teenagers and young adults with Asperger's Syndrome who have questions about puberty, sex and relationships.
Male reproductive system
A range of GDHR illustrations of the male reproductive anatomy - side view - coloured, black & white, labelled and unlabelled, with erection, without erection. Can be downloaded and printed for use in classrooms.
Menstrual cycle
A GDHR chart describing changes during the menstrual cycle. Can be downloaded and printed for use in classrooms.
Menstrual cycle
(2 min 37 sec animated video) All you need to know about periods and the menstrual cycle explained in simple, clear images and language (Age 9+).
Menstrupedia Comic: the friendly guide to periods for girls
Menstrupedia Comic is an online resource, but there are also book versions available. The website and the book contain answers to questions about periods and provides useful information on menstruation, changing bodies and growing up.
More secret girls' business
Topics: puberty, menstruation.
Non-fiction
Uses simple text and colour illustrations to explain how to manage periods. It includes notes for parents, teachers and carers.
Age: 8+
My body belongs to me
Fiction
A straightforward story of a young girl that was sexually abused by a friend's uncle. The young girl tells her mum and dad who help her. Explains that it is not her fault. A rhyming book.
My underpants rule!
Fiction
A story that explains to children that what is under your underpants is private. No one is allowed to touch private parts and how to say no.
No means no!
Fiction
A story about bodily autonomy, personal space, consent and protective behaviours.
One in five Australians forced to improvise on period products over costs
SBS News article on period poverty 3 August 2021.
Planet Puberty
A digital resource suite by Family Planning NSW for parents and carers of children with intellectual disability and/or autism.
Play and learn: Paperdolls anatomically correct
Non-fiction
Anatomically correct paper dolls for learning about the human body. A series including paperdoll friends, paperdoll families and paperdoll superheroes.
Purchase Play and learn: Paperdolls (external site)
Cath Hak's review of Play and learn: Paperdolls (6min 8sec) (external site)
Portrait of Lotte 0-18 years
A video showing a girl (face only) growing from a baby to a teenager in 5min 28sec.
Portrait of Vince 0-18 years
A video showing a boy (face only) growing from a baby to a teenager in 3min 46sec.
Pregnancy illustrations 0-24 weeks
A set of GDHR illustrations showing implantation to 24 weeks of pregnancy - a side view of foetal growth within the body. Can be downloaded and printed for use in classrooms.
Pregnancy illustrations in trimesters
A set of GDHR illustrations showing the first and second trimester of pregnancy in colour or b&w. Can be downloaded and printed for use in classrooms.
Puberty and special girls
A simple yet sensitively written picture book that covers changes in bodies and appearance during puberty, good hygiene and other issues including protective behaviours and feelings for young women with special needs.