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The World Around Us
Under Our Clothes: Our First Talk About Our Bodies
This illustrated nonfiction picture book by child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts introduces children to the topics of bodies, body safety and body image through a conversation-based story that begins with an observation at the community pool . Modesty, privacy and boundaries are discussed, along with how self-image is formed and how some people are more sensitive than others―sometimes at different stages in their lives. Relevant themes around body shaming, body positivity and self-esteem building are explored, with a final call to action empowering children to build their own confidence and speak up when something doesn't feel right.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2019
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 29, 2019
This collection always delivers big! From previous read they explore, disaster/tragedy, poverty, news, playground, etc. And now they present this book about the body (difference, acceptance, abuse, etc.). What make this book and that collection great is the quality of the information, the actuality of the subject and the way it present/explain it all for kids in the perfect tone, not over dramatizing anything and a the same time addressing the issues. Always a high level of work and edition. Congrats!
April 25, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
I think, ultimately, Under Our Clothes by Jillian Roberts has a good message behind it and certainly good intentions, but doesn't quite fully manage to achieve all of its goals. I personally think that I would look elsewhere for a path to educate any child I might have on these topics rather than this book for a number of reasons, but what it all comes down to is the fact that the messages in this book aren't focused in a way that allows the message to match diversity as much as it should. And while body image and understanding privacy and consent are incredibly important, the ways in which this information should be presented needs to avoid the possibility of the message being misunderstood or noninclusive.
The majority of the book is great, helps discuss why bodies are different and the importance of consent in anything involving our personal selves. There are a great number of questions that any child might have addressed adequately and tastefully throughout. Where the book has the opportunity to succeed, it mostly does. The one area in which the book does not succeed is when it discusses the medical industry and how, at times, a doctor may need to examine someone's body.
While I would never expect a book to go in-depth into the ways in which a medical professional may--as it has happened in the past--take advantage of their ability to override privacy under the guise of taking care of one's health, I do think it is still important to discuss consent in this case. Yes, a doctor may need to do things in order to assess the health of a person, however, this should still be something in which the importance of consent is recognized. The importance of trust with one's doctor and the importance of being able to say no when one feels uncomfortable in this situation is a message that I believe children do need.
Finally, I wish this book had included more than just male and female bodies and the ways in which those who do not identify with one specific gender or may feel as though the gender they were assigned does not match the gender that they are. I do realize that this is a controversial issue, but for those children experiencing these feelings, including something like that could do so much for them and the resulting exclusion of it from this book makes it almost completely useless for those kids. It is unfortunate and wrong, in my opinion, that we do not expose children to these facts and therefore end up isolating them but also isolating others from understanding them.
Overall, I wouldn't say that this is a bad book and I do think that there are parts of it that are important and beneficial, but the truth is that it could have been so much more, so much better, and infinitely more helpful with some changes.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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I think, ultimately, Under Our Clothes by Jillian Roberts has a good message behind it and certainly good intentions, but doesn't quite fully manage to achieve all of its goals. I personally think that I would look elsewhere for a path to educate any child I might have on these topics rather than this book for a number of reasons, but what it all comes down to is the fact that the messages in this book aren't focused in a way that allows the message to match diversity as much as it should. And while body image and understanding privacy and consent are incredibly important, the ways in which this information should be presented needs to avoid the possibility of the message being misunderstood or noninclusive.
The majority of the book is great, helps discuss why bodies are different and the importance of consent in anything involving our personal selves. There are a great number of questions that any child might have addressed adequately and tastefully throughout. Where the book has the opportunity to succeed, it mostly does. The one area in which the book does not succeed is when it discusses the medical industry and how, at times, a doctor may need to examine someone's body.
While I would never expect a book to go in-depth into the ways in which a medical professional may--as it has happened in the past--take advantage of their ability to override privacy under the guise of taking care of one's health, I do think it is still important to discuss consent in this case. Yes, a doctor may need to do things in order to assess the health of a person, however, this should still be something in which the importance of consent is recognized. The importance of trust with one's doctor and the importance of being able to say no when one feels uncomfortable in this situation is a message that I believe children do need.
Finally, I wish this book had included more than just male and female bodies and the ways in which those who do not identify with one specific gender or may feel as though the gender they were assigned does not match the gender that they are. I do realize that this is a controversial issue, but for those children experiencing these feelings, including something like that could do so much for them and the resulting exclusion of it from this book makes it almost completely useless for those kids. It is unfortunate and wrong, in my opinion, that we do not expose children to these facts and therefore end up isolating them but also isolating others from understanding them.
Overall, I wouldn't say that this is a bad book and I do think that there are parts of it that are important and beneficial, but the truth is that it could have been so much more, so much better, and infinitely more helpful with some changes.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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March 30, 2019
I'm not sure about this one. I might recommend it, but with some caveats. I don't know if it's really the sort of book you can just hand to a kid without further engagement on the subject, as there are some things that could be potentially confusing.
The layout and question-and-answer format is well done, and helps present the information in an easy-to-read way. The first part of the book is probably the strongest, as it talks about concepts such as modesty, privacy, and consent... although there could be confusion on that last point. The book continually reinforces the fact that our bodies are our own, and we have a say about who gets to touch them. Unfortunately, this is somewhat confusingly negated when the book states that sometimes people like doctors need to look at or touch your private parts. I can see how this could be potentially confusing for a child. You've just been told that you're allowed to determine who touches your body, based on whether or not you feel comfortable... and then you're told to ignore those feelings because it's a doctor. Feelings are feelings, and while medical exams can be important, this contradictory message could be very confusing for the target audience. It's basically asking kids to say no if they're feeling uncomfortable... but only if the person isn't in a position of authority. (I'm not really faulting the author for this. I don't know the right answer here. I'm just saying the message could be confusing.)
The second part of the book is a little weaker for me. It focuses mostly on body image and self-esteem. I was given numerous books on the subject when I was a kid, and none of them ever helped much. We can't expect a book to counteract all the social and cultural body-image damage that's being done on a daily basis through our media and social interactions. I like that body shaming is defined, but knowing what it is doesn't exactly help a person deal with it.
Finally, the message of being comfortable in the body you have is good in principle, but it kind of ignores people who might not feel comfortable with their body because of gender issues. Would this book be okay for cisgender kids? Yes. For transgender kids? Probably not. Passing mention is made of gender issues in a little blurb on bathrooms, but there's really nothing about body acceptance and self-esteem for kids who are transgender, gender-fluid, etc.
So... would I recommend this one? Possibly. The first part of the book is pretty universal and covers some important topics. But the fact that the second part of the book relies so heavily on cisgender norms to promote body acceptance means that it's not going to be appropriate for everyone. Use your own discretion when giving this book to a child.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing a digital ARC.
The layout and question-and-answer format is well done, and helps present the information in an easy-to-read way. The first part of the book is probably the strongest, as it talks about concepts such as modesty, privacy, and consent... although there could be confusion on that last point. The book continually reinforces the fact that our bodies are our own, and we have a say about who gets to touch them. Unfortunately, this is somewhat confusingly negated when the book states that sometimes people like doctors need to look at or touch your private parts. I can see how this could be potentially confusing for a child. You've just been told that you're allowed to determine who touches your body, based on whether or not you feel comfortable... and then you're told to ignore those feelings because it's a doctor. Feelings are feelings, and while medical exams can be important, this contradictory message could be very confusing for the target audience. It's basically asking kids to say no if they're feeling uncomfortable... but only if the person isn't in a position of authority. (I'm not really faulting the author for this. I don't know the right answer here. I'm just saying the message could be confusing.)
The second part of the book is a little weaker for me. It focuses mostly on body image and self-esteem. I was given numerous books on the subject when I was a kid, and none of them ever helped much. We can't expect a book to counteract all the social and cultural body-image damage that's being done on a daily basis through our media and social interactions. I like that body shaming is defined, but knowing what it is doesn't exactly help a person deal with it.
Finally, the message of being comfortable in the body you have is good in principle, but it kind of ignores people who might not feel comfortable with their body because of gender issues. Would this book be okay for cisgender kids? Yes. For transgender kids? Probably not. Passing mention is made of gender issues in a little blurb on bathrooms, but there's really nothing about body acceptance and self-esteem for kids who are transgender, gender-fluid, etc.
So... would I recommend this one? Possibly. The first part of the book is pretty universal and covers some important topics. But the fact that the second part of the book relies so heavily on cisgender norms to promote body acceptance means that it's not going to be appropriate for everyone. Use your own discretion when giving this book to a child.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orca Book Publishers for providing a digital ARC.
October 12, 2019
This one is pretty wordy for a first talk type book but I think it lends itself to being read & discussed with an adult. The notes in the margins provide excellent definitions for concepts that may be difficult to explain to kids right off the top of your head. This book goes into more than just boys have penises and girls have vaginas. I think it does a great job.
April 23, 2020
Under Our Clothes: Our First Talk About Our Bodies by Dr. Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Jane Heinrichs. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Orca, 2019. $20. 9781459820975
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Dr. Roberts dives right into a discussion of privacy and modesty and the many different facets of knowing who should see or touch or bodies and that you are in charge of your own body.
I love this book so much. Whatever grade level your students are in, this is a perfect book to share in a maturation class and a good refresher for an adult about how to talk to students about these issues. I also applaud the inclusion of a gender neutral character both in the discussion and the illustrations.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Dr. Roberts dives right into a discussion of privacy and modesty and the many different facets of knowing who should see or touch or bodies and that you are in charge of your own body.
I love this book so much. Whatever grade level your students are in, this is a perfect book to share in a maturation class and a good refresher for an adult about how to talk to students about these issues. I also applaud the inclusion of a gender neutral character both in the discussion and the illustrations.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
November 19, 2019
Excellent!!! This is a book that every child needs.
May 31, 2019
This series of books is a must have for libraries and class rooms. Each takes a look at a social issue and breaks it down in ways that are easy to understand. This book looks at bodies. Not the scientific way of looking at bodies, but a psychological way. It takes questions kids ask like “what are their different change areas for boys and girl” and answers it in an emotionally intelligent way that kids can understand. As the book goes along it also defines concepts like boundaries, body safety, and even consent. All in a way that can be understood by a 4 or 5 year old, with out talking down to them. Excellent resource!
#LitsyAtoZ #childrensbooks
#LitsyAtoZ #childrensbooks
April 3, 2022
As a parent of a young child and as a sexual health, gender and consent educator, "Under Our Clothes" left much to be desired.
I found the language in this book to be very inaccessible, it really does feel written by a doctor, and not in a good way. The illustrations in this book only include white, able-bodied children. The inclusion of photos of children of colour feels like an afterthought, maybe something pointed out during the review process before publishing and then amended. One character in the book is *maybe* non-binary, it's not very clear. There is one side bar about people who don't fall within the gender binary. The inclusion of this bar feels very virtue signaling. No real attempt to be gender inclusive.
There are much better books out there for children around bodies that include people of diverse genders, races, abilities and bodies.
I found the language in this book to be very inaccessible, it really does feel written by a doctor, and not in a good way. The illustrations in this book only include white, able-bodied children. The inclusion of photos of children of colour feels like an afterthought, maybe something pointed out during the review process before publishing and then amended. One character in the book is *maybe* non-binary, it's not very clear. There is one side bar about people who don't fall within the gender binary. The inclusion of this bar feels very virtue signaling. No real attempt to be gender inclusive.
There are much better books out there for children around bodies that include people of diverse genders, races, abilities and bodies.
April 4, 2019
Every child (and adult) should read this book! Honesty one of the best children's books about bodies and boundaries I've read in a while. I love how diverse the people in the photos are and I especially love how it talks not just about the child's who reading boundaries and etc but also mentions others and reminds the child to be mindful of others as well. I love that this book goes over consent. I can not wait to read the rest of the books in this series to the kids!
March 29, 2020
I especially appreciated the illustrations in this. Some are photographs and others are art. It's laid out with a question on one page and the response on the next. Each page has a sidebar that extends the answer. It begins by addressing and confirming our rights to boundaries for our own bodies. It includes advice about what to do if someone ignores these. I like that it acknowledges that different people have different ideas about their own bodies and what they are comfortable with. The latter part addresses body image, body shaming and self esteem. This section emphasizes the differences in our bodies and the impact social mores have on how we feel about ourselves. A small bit introduces the idea of transgendered peoples' need to use gender neutral bathrooms.
The back matter contains a note from the author explaining her personal connections to the topic. There is also a page of additional resources.
I have a few quibbles with this - just because it tends to oversimplify some things, but I still think this is a good introduction for younger readers. It will be also be a good fit with existing abuse prevention programs.
The back matter contains a note from the author explaining her personal connections to the topic. There is also a page of additional resources.
I have a few quibbles with this - just because it tends to oversimplify some things, but I still think this is a good introduction for younger readers. It will be also be a good fit with existing abuse prevention programs.
December 14, 2025
Really fantastic book for older littles on body safety (what are private parts, etc.) and body stigma (not liking the way our bodies look etc.). Not quite the primer for littles I was looking for, but a really great book nonetheless.
Here's a great example; I loved being given the language to talk about "private parts" in such a clear and simple way:
"Your bathing suit and underwear cover your genitals, which are considered your most private parts. Clothes and bathing suits also help keep us safe. They remind us which body parts are private and not for others to touch or make us feel uncomfortable about."
This book is for kids ages 6-8, and is to be read with an adult willing to discuss.
Here's a great example; I loved being given the language to talk about "private parts" in such a clear and simple way:
"Your bathing suit and underwear cover your genitals, which are considered your most private parts. Clothes and bathing suits also help keep us safe. They remind us which body parts are private and not for others to touch or make us feel uncomfortable about."
This book is for kids ages 6-8, and is to be read with an adult willing to discuss.
September 24, 2019
I received this book as a review copy for the Kentucky Bluegrass Awards and was blown away by the content. It truly discusses many tough topics with children in a positive and informing way. This book is an amazing starting point for many parent discussions and I am thrilled to add it to our library.
September 21, 2020
Not exactly what I was looking for to facilitate safety conversations with my daughter, but a few of the pages were helpful. Others we skipped entirely just because it didn't directly concern my kids today.
There were some basic conversations about how different people feel about modesty (changing in front of others) and how bathing suits cover our genitals.
There were some basic conversations about how different people feel about modesty (changing in front of others) and how bathing suits cover our genitals.
August 5, 2019
I received this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. I think this book is for older kids who will understand the vocabulary. It is good information but maybe over the heads of young children.
October 5, 2019
This is an excellent book for kids about the emotional side of our bodies. It is in the format of question followed by answers in an easy to understand and straightforward manner.
October 11, 2019
A good, basic introduction to body awareness, consent, and more.
picture-books
December 30, 2019A great introduction to a hard topic, all written for a younger audience. This book addresses consent, privacy, personal boundaries, gender neutral bathrooms, body shaming and so much more.
January 3, 2020
Consent, Privacy, Self-Esteem, Body Image...but some missed opportunities to be fully inclusive.
January 28, 2020
An important book for younger readers with parents about bodies, modesty, privacy, consent & boundaries. It is never too early to start the conversation.
February 22, 2020
This seems more of a book for parents and children, not in a classroom. Topics addressed are boundaries, consent, body shaming, self-esteem, and privacy to name a few.
March 12, 2020
I expected more of a book about anatomy, but this was still a good book for reading with my kids to talk about privacy, consent, body image, and body diversity.
May 13, 2020
I pre-read this book then read it to my kids. I skipped the small section about gender-neutral restrooms when I read it to my kids. But the rest of the book is well-done.
August 27, 2021
This is an excellent book for children to help guide discussions. However, it is pretty advanced reading and would be best for an 8 or 9-year-old's reading ability. I would not say that it is a "first talk" kind of book, because I was reading it with my 3-year-old. I had to do a lot of paraphrasing and connecting to his experiences to keep him entertained, but that is pretty normal when you have a teacher mom.
June 13, 2023
Covers a range of topics: boundaries, modesty, privacy, safety, and self-esteem.
April 12, 2019
Under our Clothes is a book that aims to have an "open and positive conversation about our bodies." As an elementary school teacher and mom to a toddler, I was hoping that this book would help me to have some difficult conversations with children about body parts, appropriate vs. inappropriate touches, privacy, and body image, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The book very simply and matter-of-factly explains so much about bodies and boundaries, and it also talks about gender and how not everyone fits into the traditional binary system. I also really appreciate how it includes a "Body Safety Checklist" to help kids know what is safe and not safe when it comes to their bodies and private areas.
Some of the book is a little bit complicated for its younger audience members (the concepts themselves are understandable, but I think the vocabulary/wording is a little too advanced) but overall, I think it is a really important book that would make a good addition to parents' libraries. I personally feel that it is essential to start talking to kids early about accurate names for body parts, what good/bad touches are, and how every body is different and beautiful, and this book does an amazing job of getting that conversation going.
Some of the book is a little bit complicated for its younger audience members (the concepts themselves are understandable, but I think the vocabulary/wording is a little too advanced) but overall, I think it is a really important book that would make a good addition to parents' libraries. I personally feel that it is essential to start talking to kids early about accurate names for body parts, what good/bad touches are, and how every body is different and beautiful, and this book does an amazing job of getting that conversation going.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews