Kid’s First Book covers sex, not reproduction, so it covers a lot of topics we don’t usually discuss with kids: Do you ever have sexy feelings? Draw your genitals! This is how masturbation works! Do you wish your parents were naked? all illustrated in adorable cartoons. It did an excellent job of pushing my buttons labeled DISCOMFORT and VAGUE FEELING THAT THIS IS CHILD PORN and DEAR GOD I’M GLAD MY PARENTS NEVER GAVE ME THIS BOOK. On the other hand, it’s frank, nonjudgmental, not cutesy, accurate, and easy to read. I’d give it to my niece and nephew if I didn’t think my brother would have the same reactions I did.
I have two curious AMAB kids. We started with this book when youngest was 4, oldest 7. It’s two years later and they still ask for it when they’re curious about their bodies. They enjoy doing the reflections and activities which have then led to great discussions. Outdated in terms of binary understanding of bodies and gender, but a great way to approach kids and get them talking so you can have important conversations. Good for parent reflection as well.
Radiolab asked listeners for their sex ed recommendations.
Nicki, a Radiolab listener, says, "It's one of the only sex ed books that talks about sex for pleasure, not just for reproduction. It describes the sensation of orgasms in four different kid-friendly ways including 'climbing the ladder of a big slide and whooshing down.'"