I don't know how I've not seen these books before now, but I was just introduced to Robie H. Harris'  children's books on all things sex and sexuality and I'm in love.  It's Not the Stork is intended for those ages four and up, It's So Amazing is for ages seven and up, and It's Perfectly Normal is for those ten and up.  Supported by the fact that one of my colleagues admitted she just learned from the Stork book that a sperm's tail falls off when it enters an egg, I think it's safe to say there really is no age cap on that "...and up" part.

Harris and illustrator Michael Emberley (whose father just so happened to write the thumbprint drawing book I obsessed over as a child, but I digress) have produced age-appropriate books that cover all those things that kids are curious about and that adults often have a hard time finding the words to discuss. The littlest kids can learn the basics about body parts and what makes a family and the difference between good and bad touches and how babies grow in the womb, just to name a few of the topics.  The book for the oldest age group talks about those topics more in depth as well as puberty, masterbation, contraception, STIs, and planning pregnancy.  And when the 15th annivesray edition of It's Perfectly Normal comes out this fall (don't worry, we'll remind you when that happens), apparently there will also be new information about topics such as Internet usage and safety and the HPV vaccine.

In addition to how refreshingly straight forward and honest these books are, one of other things that strikes me the most is that the they show all kinds of people.  And I don't just mean racial diversity.  There are also different body types and sizes and ages.  Some have saggy boobs.  Some are hairier than others.  In other words, they show real people and that's really refreshing.

I'll be buying these books ASAP for my nieces and suggest you pick up copies, too, if you want to help the young people -- or not so young people -- in your life learn more about the birds and the bees.

Over the years, Campaign surveys have offered up two striking and consistent conclusions: (1) teens consistently say that parents most influence their decisions about sex, and (2) parents freely admit that they know--in their souls--that they should talk to their kids about sex, love, relationships and values but that they don't know what to say or when to start the conversation. 

Help is on the way.

A new book, Like Whatever: The Insiders Guide to Raising Teens contains a terrific chapter on teens and sex authored by former Campaign family member Karen Troccoli.

For the Campaign's tips for parents, do that mouse-click thing here.