With more emphasis on consent, sexuality and gender identity than ever before, the landscape of sexual education is changing and kids and adults alike may feel left behind.
Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth is here to help.
This book uses a combination of bright pictures, comics and short paragraphs narrated by four children diverse in skin-tone (purple, orange, blue), gender identity and ability to approach sex in an open, age-appropriate way.
Its contents include:
• What is Sex — which explores three definitions of the word;
• Learn about Bodies — text and comics focusing on the diversity of bodies coupled with illustrations of body parts;
• Boys, Girls, All of Us — a primer on gender identity that prepares readers for contemporary vocabulary used to discuss gender;
• Touch — which includes building blocks for consent and discussion of “secret touch";
• Talking about Sex — demystifying sex as a bad word; and Crushes, Love and Relationships — which explores topics outside of romantic love, including self-love and family love.
Nuanced, non-judgmental and accessible, this is a book you can give to your child to read on their own or that you can read with your children to spark discussion.
With thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each chapter and a helpful glossary, this resource is one you can return to over time, using it as the topics feel appropriate in your household.
Be prepared for this read to generate more questions than it answers — this is a resource for helping your child learn to think about sex and sexuality in a healthy way.
Sex is a Funny Word is best for children in Grades 3 to 6 but may also be useful to parents and educators looking to get in step with topics in contemporary sexual education.
