"What's Happening to Me?"

by Peter Mayle, Arthur Robins (Illustrator), Paul Walter (Illustrator)

For more than twenty years, the internationally bestselling team behind  Where Did I Come From?  has helped millions of parents and children talk about the facts of life in a straightforward yet lighthearted way that is respectful of young people’s natural intelligence.  Warmly and relatably illustrated throughout,  What’s Happening to Me?  creates a safe space where families can talk about the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty and adolescence, answering the questions that kids ask most often.
 
Why is my chest getting bumpy? What's a wet dream?
What's a period?  Why is my voice acting so funny?
Why do I get pimples? What's an erection?
Why am I getting hairy? Why is mine not like his?
 
This book answers the big questions, and explains the big changes. One look at the illustrations will tell you that this is not a dull medical textbook but rather it presents the facts of puberty, and it presents them with honesty, sympathy and a sense of humor. If you’ve been wondering how to have this talk with your children, look no further for a trusted resource that will give you the tools you need to share this critical information sensitively and factually.
 
“You can't deny Mayle's talent for translating adult experience into child-level concepts.”
— Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Science, Parenting, Reference

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Peter Mayle was a British author famous for his series of books detailing life in Provence, France. He spent fifteen years in advertising before leaving the business in 1975 to write educational books, including a series on sex education for children and young people. In 1989, A Year in Provence was published and became an international bestseller. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages, and he was a contributing writer to magazines and newspapers. Indeed, his seventh book, A Year in Provence, chronicles a year in the life of a British expatriate who settled in the village of Ménerbes. His book A Good Year was the basis for the eponymous 2006 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring actor Russell Crowe. Peter Mayle died in Provence, France.

Reviews

[Rileigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t like how it mentioned that a girl’s breasts are for male pleasure. That is not their purpose and not what they are there for. It encourages the sexual objectification of girls and is by no way charming.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book - the illustrations were hilarious. I read this book as an awkward preteen who was embarrassed about everything, but the humor of this book really helped me get through awkwardness of puberty. I'm sure some people would be offended by the frankness of the book, but it's not vulgar at all. And kids need to know about this stuff - and this book can help kids not take themselves so seriously.

[Alisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thought this would be a great book to discuss puberty with my 10 year old, since I loved the authors book about where babies come from. TOTALLY disagreed with the authors on two pages about the big M word. I know everyone had different views on the subject, but the author's view that everyone does it so "let it make you feel good, not guilty" was DEFINITELY not for me and my children.

[Lorissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember this book clearly, almost to the page! It's been about 20 years since I read it....so it had an impact. Just after having "the talk", my parents gave me the book to consult if I had more questions. I studied every page, giggled over some of them with my cousins, and really got a lot of info from it.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this for my son when he was that "age" and it became a topic immortalized in family lore. One of those "failed" parental moments. I thought it was good. The kids were mortified and still make fun of me for it. You can't win.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made talking with my son so much easier. Oh, it just was a godsend. In a gentle and witty matter, it covers all the bases in a manner that any young adult will find reassuring.

[Radiolab]

John says this book "is full of hilarious and on-the-nose artwork and facts about always silly, often embarrassing universal experience that is puberty. From acne and smells to a whole page of how boobs can be totally different shapes, it made adolescents everywhere feel more comfortable in their skins while going through what might be the weirdest part of life. In the age before youtube, books like this were truly special."

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars for the masturbation section alone. Surprisingly sex-positive and modern, I would happily let my kid read this part as well as some other carefully curated excerpts.

That said, other aspects of the book are wildly out-of-date and problematic for teaching a 21st century understanding of gender and sexuality. Also, like in Where Do I Come From?, the illustrations are ridiculous and occasionally bordering on disturbing; for the most egregious example, see the pages that chart young people's growth during puberty and compare the audience's expressions--particularly the teacher's--on the girls' page vs. the boys'.

[Carline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible book. Maybe when it came out in 1975 it was useful but the language and content intended for preadolescent boys today is simply useless. I pretty much shock my head the entire time I was reading it. It is obvious a man wrote it. I wouldn't have my son or daughter read this.

[Lilly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was like ten or nine when my mum got this book for me. I read it a while ago, but I didn't really remember it so I re-read it the other day. It's a very good book. It taught me a lot about puberty and alot of other things...

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Mom!

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cool guide to the changes of puberty illustrated mostly with funny cartoons.

[Jenny Wikoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a big help, back in the day. I think it was a hand-me-down from my cousins!

[Karen L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for explaining puberty to boys in a decent way, with humor. It also explains the act of sex in a tasteful, yet funny way.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

everything you want to know about Provence in one convenient location

[MT · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read it. it helps.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good book for the age frame of which it is targeted and was given. Could open up dialog between parents and their kids with such a touchy subject.

[Maki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explains changes to your body as a teen. Great book with cartoon images.

[Genevieve Collins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this for one of my university literature classes. Dreadful. I know it was published a while ago, and the intention behind it is good, but the way it has a whole section that blatantly sexualises breasts and implies that their purpose is male gratification? Ick. Also; wilfully heteronormative. I’m only giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because it advocates for self discovery through masturbation (fully support this). That’s a highly contentious subject when it comes to parenting, and Mayle could easily have chosen the conservative side of the debate there, but thankfully did not.

[Riley Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's easy to understand and has cool pictures that explain everything clearly. This book talks about the changes happening in our bodies, like growing taller, getting pimples, and having new feelings. It also gives tips on hygiene and dealing with emotions. It's like having a trusted friend who explains everything you need to know.

[Kristin Eoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember being exruciatingly embarrassed when my mother gifted this to me at a birthday party when I was an adolescent, but it actually was a very good book, with good information and a welcome dose of humor. I just wish I had not had to open it in front of others!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to help have the talk with kids

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would I have survived my teenage years without this book?

[EddieP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to love passing the time reading this puberty tome while I waited for God to bless me with pubes

[Ava Ritchie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn’t like it. Sexualizes children. Don’t recommend.

[Adrienne Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and factual

[Vitalij Safronov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book as I read

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book on puberty for children. I remember this from my childhood. When it was written in the '70's, this was pretty good, but I see now that it written from a very male perspective. It basically tells girls that their periods are a mere inconvenience and that they should appreciate how their breasts attract male attention. Yikes. That being said, I appreciate that it explains the masturbation is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Overalll, good for the time it was written but not something I would recommend now.

[Top Cat =^_^= · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very helpful with talking to your child about their body and what to expect.

Read the book first so you can choose what you want to read with them as it talks about the body as well as the hormones and feelings they may be feeling and how to manage that.

This book made my conversation with my child a lot easier than what I originally going to have with them. I highly recommend this book to parents that may be a bit nervous talking about this close and personal topic with their child/children.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very funny book with great illustrations. I had this book as a kid. I remember my mother bought it for me, put it in the hall cupboard, and said she would leave it there should I ever have a question too embarrassing to ask. Needless to say, I was too embarrassed to ever take it out of the cupboard.