Harris, Robie. 2006. IT’S NOT THE STORK!: A BOOK ABOUT GIRLS, BOYS, BABIES, BODIES, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS. Ill. by Michael Emberley. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick. ISBN 0763600474 [Suggested Grade Levels preK-3]
REVIEW
For readers who are familiar with Robie Harris’ books on sex education for children, this is a welcome addition for younger children wanting the most basic information. The layout and organization of the book are cheerful and inviting with an abundance of Emberley’s joyful watercolor illustrations and a larger font and generous use of white space for added readability for younger children (and their parents and caregivers). Once again, the tiny cartoon characters of the personified “Bird” and “Bee” guide the reader through the pages, posing questions and offering commentary. Nearly two dozen topics are presented each in a short, focused double-page spread with just enough information to answer the basic questions frequently asked by our youngest readers. Text and art are clear and direct without being uncomfortably explicit—a helpful guide for the nervous adult who wants to share honestly, but may be unsure about where to stop in answering kids’ questions.
CONNECTIONS
More than likely, this is a book to be shared with parents who ask for guidance in discussing the “birds and the bees” with their young children. However, one could also create an appealing display to highlight this and other of Harris’ books by featuring a collage of magazine photos of babies or an arrangement of baby items like tiny shoes, rattles, and board books.
RELATED BOOKS
Other books about sex education for children by Robie Harris:
Harris, Robie. LET'S TALK ABOUT WHERE BABIES COME FROM. ISBN 1844281736
Harris, Robie. IT'S PERFECTLY NORMAL: CHANGING BODIES, GROWING UP, SEX, AND SEXUAL HEALTH. ISBN 0763624330
Harris, Robie. IT'S SO AMAZING! A BOOK ABOUT EGGS, SPERM, BIRTH, BABIES, AND FAMILIES. ISBN 0763600512
By Sylvia M. Vardell
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