4.21

5

Aug 29, 2015

The book purports to be a description of reproduction from childhood through sex to birth for the young ones. A typical excerpt (over a picture of a little boy looking at his teeny little willie), "The important thing to notice is that the man has something hanging between his legs that the woman doesn't have. All you boys have one And yours will grow bigger as you grow bigger..."

However the book really comes into it's own as a revenge book for parents you are friendly with so you go to the The book purports to be a description of reproduction from childhood through sex to birth for the young ones. A typical excerpt (over a picture of a little boy looking at his teeny little willie), "The important thing to notice is that the man has something hanging between his legs that the woman doesn't have. All you boys have one And yours will grow bigger as you grow bigger..."

However the book really comes into it's own as a revenge book for parents you are friendly with so you go to the same social occasions but they won't control their kids and they always end up being bratty. You just sort of leave it around for the 6/7 year olds to read for themselves.




Peter Mayle describes sex as being like a long, lovely tickle and an orgasm like a sneeze with lots of sticky stuff. You think the kids would let that go or will start asking questions and perhaps even wanting one of their own :-)

It's great fun to watch customers in the shop pick the book up and realise that rather than answering questions in a very non-confrontational way, this book is going to require major interaction. They mostly put the book back. If they are with children at the time, they always put the book on a higher shelf than the child can reach!

Read years ago. If I haven't remembered it correctly perhaps it's that my own sex education is lacking.

This book comes in two editions, one with black people and one with white. I don't know why the author couldn't just have had one black and one white parent and made life a lot easier for booksellers. It's not as if the book's pc in any other way. ...more

2

Mar 26, 2011

I bought this because it was recommended by some neighbors and also by authors Ken and Linda Eyre (whose wisdom and parenting advice I find very helpful) but this book is not for us and our children at this time. There are parts that are probably fine to teach children about how babies grow, etc. but the parts specifically related to sex and what function genitalia plays in that doesn't fit with how I envision teaching my children about sex. Something about the way it's worded just feels weird I bought this because it was recommended by some neighbors and also by authors Ken and Linda Eyre (whose wisdom and parenting advice I find very helpful) but this book is not for us and our children at this time. There are parts that are probably fine to teach children about how babies grow, etc. but the parts specifically related to sex and what function genitalia plays in that doesn't fit with how I envision teaching my children about sex. Something about the way it's worded just feels weird and doesn't sit well with me or my husband.

I read some reviews that criticized this book as being written from the mans point of view and I agree. The part that says, "The man wants to get as close as he can to the woman..." so he goes and does what he does to her. I want my children to see sex as a mutual thing and not as something that one party really wants and the other has done to them. It makes no mention of how the woman feels about any of this, but mentions the man and what he wants a few times. I also don't think children need to have it described in 3 or 4 different ways how sex feels and what it compares to. A straight forward picture or two of the anatomy would be fine, but the full frontal naked people are on every page, sometimes several times. Then they are in the act, in bed. Then there are sperm with top hats on. Ummm? Anyway, I haven't yet found a book for children that explains the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sex the I'd like it to. I don't want to mess this conversation up. The search goes on. Man, being a parent is hard sometimes!! ...more

4

Sep 30, 2010

I cannot believe this book is written by the same Peter Mayle who wrote A Year in Provence! HAHAHAHAA!

I like that this book exists. It's written for children and explains where babies come from in a very straightforward way. The illustrations are wonderful, cute and really funny. The whole book is hilariously informative, actually. But I think it explains the sex part a bit too well. Of course, that's the parent talking. That's not at all what I thought when I read it as a kid. When I read it I cannot believe this book is written by the same Peter Mayle who wrote A Year in Provence! HAHAHAHAA!

I like that this book exists. It's written for children and explains where babies come from in a very straightforward way. The illustrations are wonderful, cute and really funny. The whole book is hilariously informative, actually. But I think it explains the sex part a bit too well. Of course, that's the parent talking. That's not at all what I thought when I read it as a kid. When I read it as a kid I thought: "JACKPOT! This shit amazing! Wait til I show this book to every kid I know!" I distinctly remember reading it on the front lawn with a crowd of awe-struck neighborhood children. I still have my copy, inscribed to baby-me in 1974, and I'm sure when my kids start asking questions I'll pull it out.

But I think I'm going to skip the chapter on "friction." ...more

4

Jul 31, 2012

This was the book my parents bought me when I was a kid (5ish, maybe younger) . . . it was really good. It's simple enough that a questioning child can understand the mechanics and avoid myths.

I have NO idea what the fuss with the naked people is about. They're drawn completely unsexually, to illustrate the human body.

And yes, it does mention what sex 'feels like', but that is an INEVITABLE question kids will ask. They'll want to know WHY people have sex, and if you don't tell them, they will This was the book my parents bought me when I was a kid (5ish, maybe younger) . . . it was really good. It's simple enough that a questioning child can understand the mechanics and avoid myths.

I have NO idea what the fuss with the naked people is about. They're drawn completely unsexually, to illustrate the human body.

And yes, it does mention what sex 'feels like', but that is an INEVITABLE question kids will ask. They'll want to know WHY people have sex, and if you don't tell them, they will want to find out when older. (I was always informed on sex and told that it was enjoyable when I asked why people do it, while being taught about contraception and such, and I waited longer than many of my friends, and had safe sex while sober.) There is nothing wrong with a child knowing what the big deal is!

Yes, I do agree that it does neglect the emotional side of sex, but I think that's something that YOU talk to your children about. The book just makes explaining the mechanics easier.

And in terms of 'too much information', I totally disagree. I would much rather show a young child this than wait 5 years and have them googling things because I, as a parent, failed to explain the facts of life. Which is what this book does. It doesn't talk about kinky sex or oral or anything, just the process . . . of which genitalia, orgasm, etc are a part of.

I think some people really need to be less uptight about this book, compared to the material your kid can pretty easily get from the internet/tv/friends/magazines, this is tame. And, at least, educational. ...more

4

Apr 11, 2013

This book is definitely developed with the child in mind. It is easy to read, it provides humor, and definitely gets the point across on a subject which can often be difficult to approach.
I notice that some reviewers worry that the book provides children with too much information or is too graphic. I find that the book would be incomplete if some of the information or the pictures were omitted.

As a child, I found myself really studying the pictures, cartoon images that are presented very This book is definitely developed with the child in mind. It is easy to read, it provides humor, and definitely gets the point across on a subject which can often be difficult to approach.
I notice that some reviewers worry that the book provides children with too much information or is too graphic. I find that the book would be incomplete if some of the information or the pictures were omitted.

As a child, I found myself really studying the pictures, cartoon images that are presented very tastefully and are actually sort of cute. The pictures do show the male and female anatomy, which is important information if a child is to understand how babies are made. They show a man and woman who love each other and are happy, things that would allow a child to have a positive and healthy perspective about sex and making a baby.

As a person who has had personal experience with this book as a child, I highly recommend it. I plan to use it with my own son in a few years.
...more

3

Oct 18, 2012

This book made me laugh out loud more than once. It's another pretty explicit one, but the more I read them (and find myself cringing) the more I think, you know what? It's not that weird to tell kids about sex. We've made it weird because we're an incredibly repressed society, but good grief, it's a bodily function and it's something everyone does and it's how the human race even exists. It just doesn't need to be that big a deal, and if you talk to kids about it as though it isn't, I bet it This book made me laugh out loud more than once. It's another pretty explicit one, but the more I read them (and find myself cringing) the more I think, you know what? It's not that weird to tell kids about sex. We've made it weird because we're an incredibly repressed society, but good grief, it's a bodily function and it's something everyone does and it's how the human race even exists. It just doesn't need to be that big a deal, and if you talk to kids about it as though it isn't, I bet it won't be. The illustrations in this book are ugly but it's a great explanation of the process. ...more

5

Dec 17, 2013

This book was read to me when I was 4, 5 - at some point I became the reader. I loved this book, my sibs, nieces, & nephews are fans too. My son had it read to him. Showing people not model perfect and parts that the children have already seen and are curious about anyway in a simple straight forward manner is a good thing. Curiosity strikes at an early age and the why does her/his pee pee look different question is at least floating around. A great book for all IMO.

5

Dec 31, 2009

I seriously can't believe this book was on the shelf. It's flat out breath-taking, some of the information and pictures you're going to find in this book. A must read. Seriously. And yes, it IS the african-american edition. BOOYAH!

2

Apr 05, 2009

I don't know if I'm mature enough to have this conversation. I read this book in preparation for THE TALK.

My first reaction on opening this book was to close it. Holy naked cartoon people. They are chubby and unattractive cartoon people, but they're naked and on every stinking page. And they're anatomically correct. It was a bit much for me.

I finally opened it again and read the text. And closed it. Then opened it again and re-read it. It's good that proper names are used, but I'm not sure I I don't know if I'm mature enough to have this conversation. I read this book in preparation for THE TALK.

My first reaction on opening this book was to close it. Holy naked cartoon people. They are chubby and unattractive cartoon people, but they're naked and on every stinking page. And they're anatomically correct. It was a bit much for me.

I finally opened it again and read the text. And closed it. Then opened it again and re-read it. It's good that proper names are used, but I'm not sure I want my kids knowing 'how' sex feels (and they try to describe it in detail). The mechanics, sure. Maybe.

There was also no discussion about when sex might be appropriate - like after you're married. So a parent would need to talk about that. There is also no talk about inappropriate touching. Maybe the reproduction talk isn't the time for that, maybe it is. The explanations for fetal development and birth were good but it only covers 'natural' birth - I've had one naturally, adopted one and had 2 c-sections so we'll have to cover those on our own.

I thought overall the book had too much information for my 8-yr-olds. Too many pictures when a few would have been enough. Too much information. And at times it was a little too silly.

I would not just hand this to a child to read. I think it needs to be discussed. And I wouldn't leave it laying around as I have younger kids at home.

There's another book I want to check out from the library to see if I like it better. But really, who am I kidding? I don't think any book is going to make this talk easier for me.



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3

Aug 28, 2018

I got this for my kids to read and my young daughter found it hilarious. She was probably 9 years old and loved it.

1

May 18, 2010

Many years ago when I bought this book for my daughters, I was so proud of myself. Now I realize that although it has a happy, positive attitude toward sex, it also perpetrates oppressive expectations like male initiation of sexplay, female frigidity, and the superiority of the missionary position. See "Sex, Sex Education and the Paradoxes of Liberalism," by Kathryn Pauly Morgan.

0

Sep 20, 2019

My eldest two are now 9 and 8 years old. They heard something funny on the bus this week and want to talk about it.

Excuse me while I go have the most awkward book club discussion of my entire life.

0

Jul 11, 2018

Radiolab asked listeners for their sex ed recommendations.

Erica, a Radiolab listener, says this book was a "gateway to understanding... when I was about 10 I think. Just this winter I bought new copies of each [Peter Mayle] book and gave them to my 9 year old son. Even though I have a PhD in Human Development and taught Human Sexuality as a graduate student at Virginia Tech, I wanted tools that I knew I could rely on to help me explain to my boys how we grow and change and begin to feel Radiolab asked listeners for their sex ed recommendations.

Erica, a Radiolab listener, says this book was a "gateway to understanding... when I was about 10 I think. Just this winter I bought new copies of each [Peter Mayle] book and gave them to my 9 year old son. Even though I have a PhD in Human Development and taught Human Sexuality as a graduate student at Virginia Tech, I wanted tools that I knew I could rely on to help me explain to my boys how we grow and change and begin to feel attraction and excitement and how it all comes together! We only get one chance to get this right!"
A very popular book, another listener John had this to say about "Where Did I Come From?"
"This book taught the 'facts of life' to my sister, brother, and I, and stayed relevant and factual despite 13 years between the three of us. The artwork is hilarious and allows you to poke fun at how weird the whole enterprise is, while still actually learning something. It's like the Magic Schoolbus, but with genitals." ...more

4

Jun 05, 2008

This is where I learned about sex and was my only source of info until Haley's family got HBO.

0

Aug 05, 2011

How I learned about sex. =) My mom showed me the video when I was 4 or 5. I love the sperm in the top hat!

4

Apr 05, 2012

Really,a book published in 1973 is still the best book out there for explaining this to little kids?

Yep.

3

Sep 21, 2014

I'm honestly not sure how to rate this. I'm not the least bit surprised this was banned. Wow.

5

Feb 05, 2014

I would highly recommend this book for when you are ready to talk about the birds and the bees with your youngster. We just had the talk with my 8 year old and it went very well because of this awesome book!

3

Apr 06, 2011

Good book to explain things in a nonsensical way. I paper-clipped some of the middle pages together and we skipped over those. The cartoon pictures are funny, but respectful. I'll probably use it for my other children as well.

4

Jun 26, 2017

Read it to my 5 year old today. He was quite impressed with the technicalities of making a baby but the description of a one month old baby in the womb being about the size of a tooth blew him away: "oh my god, wait 'til i tell dad, dad...".

4

May 13, 2011

We have "the talk" with our kids when they turn eight. Since that momentous birthday just came for our twins we got to rediscover this little treasure :) This has great illustrations that really get down to the details in a very appropriate way. I recommend you read "How to Talk to Children About Sex" by Linda and Richard Eyer first and then use this book to help you with "the talk." (thank you Sarah for that recommendation years ago!) Three very successful discussions down, two to go!

0

May 25, 2009

I had this book in hardback when my kids were young. My older child had more experience with the whole idea. I was pregnant when he was 3. He carried that book around a lot. It had a plump cartoonish couple throughout the book. There is a picture (not graphic) of them under the covers with hearts floating up. My son used to say "that is my favorite picture, the one with all of the love feelings"

Very non threatening, non graphic for the modest or squeamish of you. An orgasmism is compared to a I had this book in hardback when my kids were young. My older child had more experience with the whole idea. I was pregnant when he was 3. He carried that book around a lot. It had a plump cartoonish couple throughout the book. There is a picture (not graphic) of them under the covers with hearts floating up. My son used to say "that is my favorite picture, the one with all of the love feelings"

Very non threatening, non graphic for the modest or squeamish of you. An orgasmism is compared to a sneeze. Maybe that's why I enjoy sneezing... ...more

5

Jan 07, 2010

This is a fabulous book to help you with your first talk to teach your kids about sex. I used this along with another great resource at valuesparenting.com. In our family we have the 'big talk' sometime around when our kids turn 8, and then have talks every year after that. (or whenever they need to) I believe that if children trust their parents and feel comfortable talking to them about sexual matters, they will be armed to deal with what they encounter from the rest of the world with This is a fabulous book to help you with your first talk to teach your kids about sex. I used this along with another great resource at valuesparenting.com. In our family we have the 'big talk' sometime around when our kids turn 8, and then have talks every year after that. (or whenever they need to) I believe that if children trust their parents and feel comfortable talking to them about sexual matters, they will be armed to deal with what they encounter from the rest of the world with confidence when it comes to this subject. This book is such a helpful tool in starting the communication! ...more

5

Oct 11, 2017

I have never understood the argument for keeping the"facts of life" from children until a certain age and making such a drama of it. I bought this book before my children were born on the recommendation of my aunt who was a health visitor. Started reading it to my eldest when she was about three years old as a bedtime story but would often find her pulling it off the bookshelf and turning to the drawings of the baby developing which fascinated her. They all grew up gradually understanding more I have never understood the argument for keeping the"facts of life" from children until a certain age and making such a drama of it. I bought this book before my children were born on the recommendation of my aunt who was a health visitor. Started reading it to my eldest when she was about three years old as a bedtime story but would often find her pulling it off the bookshelf and turning to the drawings of the baby developing which fascinated her. They all grew up gradually understanding more of the content in their own time and it was easy to answer any of their questions because we were all comfortable with the subject and it was unnecessary to worry about having the "big talk". The cartoon figures are delightful and a first lesson that you don't have to be thin! My daughter has inherited the original copy and the others have since bought copies for their own children. ...more

1

Mar 04, 2014

My boys are ages 4 and 6 and we've been having a lot of discussions about sex lately, especially since I'm expecting another baby. I didn't really think I needed a book but thought that pictures might be helpful, so I decided to check out a few books that have high recommendations. I'm really not a fan.

Page after page show fully nude men and women, usually just standing but also in a bathtub and in bed. I don't think picturing other people in the act is appropriate for kids or adults, even if My boys are ages 4 and 6 and we've been having a lot of discussions about sex lately, especially since I'm expecting another baby. I didn't really think I needed a book but thought that pictures might be helpful, so I decided to check out a few books that have high recommendations. I'm really not a fan.

Page after page show fully nude men and women, usually just standing but also in a bathtub and in bed. I don't think picturing other people in the act is appropriate for kids or adults, even if they are cartoon images. Actually, the cartoon drawings were distasteful to me. I think I'd be more comfortable showing my children realistic drawings of people's bodies--I believe bodies and sex are sacred and the cartoonishness makes it all too casual for me.

The images bothered me enough that I didn't bother reading the text, but it doesn't really matter. By looking at these books, I've realized that sex is something to be taught by parents, not by books. Describing body parts, the mechanics of sex, and the physical and emotional feelings that go along with it--all that instruction should be personalized in my opinion.

My favorite resource for visuals so far is our BodyWorks Organs app on the ipad. ...more