Books help address the topics most parents as well as children find awkward. We often get #kbcqueries on this topic. We’ve curated this list of helpful books related to puberty, recommended by fellow parents.
What’s the Big Secret (for 7 years+) is one of the most recommended fun book to introduce the PERIOD to boys (and girls!).
To quote Tanvi Jain:
When I read “What’s The Big Secret” by Sonali Shenoy and illustrated beautifully and yet so simply by Anushka Hardikar with my 8 year old son it was so easy to explain the concept of menstruation and periods. It touched upon the taboo we make it as a family by avoid talking about it to the males members of our family. The story is simple yet very explanatory. Illustrations make it look just like it’s happening right now. They are more than just pictures drawn on a paper. Thanks to the authors for making a subject like periods sound so simple and fun. If you are thinking about explaining the concept to your girls and boys, get this book and talk about the subject while reading the book. I promise it will be a breeze.
Menstrupedia: This is a highly recommended book to introduce tween girls (and boys aged 10+) to Menstruation in a non complicated way. The language is friendly and answers various questions young girls have that they may not want to ask their parents/teachers. Makes the perfect gift to tween girls. Moms of tween boys may find this really helpful to educate their boys as well.
Asha and Aarini have this book and highly recommend it.
For Girls:
Hair in Funny Places for 7-9 years (32 pages) – a fun book book that talks about puberty. Babette Cole is known for her brilliant artwork and this book is an example of it.
Just For Girls: It’s a tween-friendly, easy to understand book that explains what happens when you’re growing up. The fun language makes it an appealing read for tweens. It is not just about puberty, it explains (in an interesting way) how to take care of your skin (pimples are normal), what to eat (food groups), why exercise is important, emotions are hormones are a real thing – all in a non-cringy way. The illustrations explain everything better!
Asha and Aarini have this book and highly recommend it.
But What’s Up With Me? Puberty, Periods, Pimples, People, Problems and More by Tisca Chopra for 8-13 years.
When Girls Grow Up: Puberty Book for Girls by Niyati Shah for 8+
Growing up for Girls – seems 10+
For Boys:
Gulu – The Essential Guide To Puberty For Boys (English) – this is from the makers of Menstrupedia and says for 8-14 years
When Boys Grow Up: Puberty Book for Boys by Niyati Shah for 9+
The Body Book For Boys for 10+
The Boys Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU! for 9-12 years
SEX EDUCATION related reads
For sex education books, we recommend the parent first read the book before giving it to the child.
Sex Education: How I Got My Belly Button (for 9-12 years)
The Little Book of Growing Up for 9+
Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU – it says 7-10 years but parents should check out first.
The Yellow Book: A Parent’s Guide to Sexuality Education
Sex, puberty and all that stuff (parents please check this out first – might be for 15+ in India)
[Note from Team Kids Book Café: For your convenience, affiliate links (MARKED IN PINK) to some of the book titles & images have been added to enable you to buy the books from AMAZON, should you wish to! A very small amount of money comes to kidsbookcafe.com when you purchase a book via the amazon affiliate link provided (at absolutely no extra cost to you!). Do let us know if you need information about other children’s books by writing to asha@kidsbookcafe.com.]
