It's So Amazing!

Review

Common Sense Media says

Only parents know when it's time for this book.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this straightforward, approachable sex-ed follow-up to It's Not the Stork for older children (the book recommends 7 and up) digs into more topics that kids are bound to be hearing about as tweens -- which means you'll probably want to spend even more time previewing so you're ready to relay your feelings on some of the tougher topics. These include different kinds of families and love (with terms "homosexuality" and "heterosexuality" explained), HIV/AIDS, condoms and other birth control, masturbation, and a more detailed discussion of what sexual abuse is. The bird and bee cartoon characters that appear throughout and comment on the topics presented focus on two perspectives: a child who may be embarrassed to talk about such things and a child who doesn't understand why anyone would want to talk about them.

  • Educational value5
    Everything a child may ask about sexuality and babies is here, plus there's a focus on things they are probably hearing about by this age from a number or sources: different types of families, adoption, STDs, condoms, wet dreams, etc. 
  • Positive messages3
    Whether or not a child is ready for the conversation, this book encourages kids to ask questions and be curious. It also speaks directly to kids who may be embarrassed or confused, or think discussing these topics is strange.  Responses to all questions are direct, scientific, and thorough.
  • Positive role models2
    The bird and bee cartoon characters that appear throughout and comment
    on the topics presented focus on two perspectives: a child who may be
    embarrassed to talk about such things and a child who doesn't
    understand why anyone would want to talk about them. This can help kids feel OK with their own feelings about these often uncomfortable topics.
  • Violence1
    "Okay Touches and Not Okay Touches" explains how kids should tell an adult when they get "not okay touches" and goes on to explain the term "sexual abuse."
  • Sex4
    Cartoon depictions of all sexual organs and other private places, male and female, on a child and adult body. A cartoon of a future mom and dad having sex, in bed, kissing, but covered up. Lots of sperm-meets-egg cartoons, plus one meeting in a petri dish. Discussion of safe sex and birth control, condoms, HIV/AIDS, wet dreams, and periods. Shows how a baby comes out of the birth canal. Mention of masturbation and that each family decides whether they think it's OK.
  • Language1
    All names of body parts are very scientific, except there's a mention that testicles are often called "nuts" or "balls."
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's the story?

Starting with a chapter called "Curious? Embarrassed? Confused?" and explaining to kids that "it's perfectly normal" to feel that way about where babies come from, even if they think they know a few things already, the book then launches into all the big sex-ed questions: where babies come from, how boys and girls are the same and different and what male and female sexual organs actually do, how the sperm gets to its destination, what pregnancy and birth is like, and even the basics on chromosomes and genes. It also covers topics like different kinds of love (including homosexual love), different kinds of families, adoption, HIV/AIDS, birth control, what touches are "okay" and "not okay" and how to tell someone about "not okay" touches, and why growing up is "so amazing."

Is it any good?

 

Just like It's Not the Stork, this book does what it sets out to do in a very straightforward manner that all kids will appreciate -- they're not talked down to for a second. The book covers even more ground and gets where tweens probably are in their knowledge about such things -- they've gathered a few facts and some half-truths and some things that aren't so true and are embarrassed to admit that they can't tell the difference -- with some kids even deciding that they don't want to really know at all and what's the fuss all about anyway? The bird and bee cartoon characters that are present throughout do a good job of expressing both common kid viewpoints, and kids' reactions to these characters will help parents start good conversations with kids about what they're thinking. If you're only looking to discuss certain topics at certain times, the table of contents lays out each section very clearly.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about any questions they may have after sharing this book. What did you know already? What do you want to know more about?

  • Talk about why these topics can be hard to talk about. What do kids find embarrassing? What do parents find embarrassing? Are you less embarrassed now that you know the facts?

This review of It's So Amazing! was written by
Parent of 6 year old
September 13, 2012
AGE
8
 
its so amazing
Families can talk about any questions they may have after sharing this book. What did you know already? What do you want to know more about? Talk about why these topics can be hard to talk about. What do kids find embarrassing? What do parents find embarrassing? Are you less embarrassed now that you know the facts?
What other families should know:
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This review of It's So Amazing! was written by
Author:Robie H. Harris
Illustrator:Michael Emberley
Book type:Non-Fiction
Genre:Body Awareness
Publisher:Candlewick Press
Publication date:July 22, 2004
Number of pages:88
Publisher's recommended age(s):7 - 10
Read aloud:7 - 7
Read alone:10 - 10
This review of It's So Amazing! was written by
 
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