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.

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+

One in five Australians forced to improvise on period products over costs

SBS News article on period poverty 3 August 2021.

Period in first period

4min 37sec video from Amaze. Light hearted cartoon that offers a choose your own adventure style storyline to choose period products. Includes clear instructions and cartoon diagrams on how to use each product - tampons, pads and menstrual cups. Does not include period knickers.

Planet Puberty

A digital resource suite by Family Planning NSW for parents and carers of children with intellectual disability and/or autism.

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.

Principles of gender-inclusive puberty and health education (2016)

Providing perspectives and language to account for every student's unique journey through puberty to adulthood.

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.

Puberty booklet

A WA Department of Health booklet addressing the changes that happen during puberty and how to look after yourself during this time. Recently updated in 2021 to combine the 'Girls and puberty' and 'Boys and puberty'. Aimed at ages 10-13 years.

Puberty Boy

Puberty Boy explains the transitions that boys need to go through to become healthy young men in a unique, colourful and commonsense way.

Puberty Girl

A practical guide for teenage girls on understanding the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty.

Relationships, sex and other stuff

A WA Department of Health booklet for teenagers addressing friends and relationships, sex and pregnancy.

Responding to problem sexual behaviour in children and young people (2019)

Guidelines for education and care settings on responding to problem sexual behaviours (3rd edition, 2019). Lists age appropriate behaviours, concerning behaviours and serious behaviours with steps schools can take to respond and protect children.

Secret boys' business (2nd Ed.)

Topics: puberty

Non-fiction

A puberty resource for boys, families, schools and community groups to explain the physical and emotional changes of puberty.

Age: 9 to 13 years.