Burps, and Other (somewhat) Embarrassing Facts/Fiction
About Our Body
By Mei-Yu Lu
© 2003 Chien-I Sun
Body functions are a topic of perennial and universal interest to children. Almost every child wonders "where do babies come from?" "What makes a boy a boy and a girl a girl?" and "will I look like my dad/mom when I grow up?" Although the questions children ask tend to be the same, regardless of time and culture, the answers they get vary greatly. Answers to "where do babies come from" range from "the hospital" to "the stork" to "the cabbage patch" to "the dumpster", depending on the culture, as well as the attitude parents hold regarding the topic. Recently, more and more parents are open to the idea of honestly and explicitly explaining body functioning to their children. However, it is not an easy task, for children of different ages and developmental levels do not understand things in the same way. We hope the books below can add to parents' effort to explain the important, yet "somewhat embarrassing" issues of growth and development to their children.
Mei-Yu
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Title: Contemplating Your Bellybutton Author(s): Jun Nanao Publisher: Brooklyn, NY: Kane/Miller Book Publishers Year: 1995 ISBN: 091629160X Abstract: Picture book explains the role of the umbilical cord and the formation of the navel. |
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Title: Does a Pig Flush? Author(s): Fred Ehrlich and Emily Bolam Publisher: Brooklyn, NY: Handprint Books Year: 2002 ISBN: 1929766653 Abstract: Explains where different animals eliminate their bodily wastes and tells how children learn to use the toilet when they are old enough. |
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Title: Everyone Poops Author(s): Taro Gomi Publisher: Brooklyn, NY: Kane/Miller Book Publishers Year: 1993 ISBN: 0916291456 Abstract: This book shows that all animals poop, and it is part of life. |
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Title: The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts Author(s): Shinta Cho Publisher: Brooklyn, NY: Kane/Miller Book Publishers Year: 1994 ISBN: 0916291529 Abstract: A book explaining how and why gas is produced and eliminated; also available in Spanish, Todos Hacemos Caca |
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Title: The Holes in Your Nose Author: Gen'ichiro Yagyu Year: 1994 Publisher: Brooklyn, NY: Kane/Miller Book Publishers ISBN: 0916291502 Abstract: A book discussing the functions of nose in a way that is easy for young readers to understand. |
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Title: The Story of the Little Mole Who Went in Search of Whodunit Author(s): Werner Holzwarth and Wolf Erlbruch Publisher: New York, NY: Stewart, Tabori & Chang Year: 1993 ISBN: 1556703481 Abstract: When Little Mole tries to find out who pooped on his head, the other animals show him how they poop in order to prove their innocence. |
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Title: Welcome With Love Author(s): Jenni Overend and Julie Vivas Publisher: Brooklyn, NY: Kane/Miller Book Publishers Year: 2000 ISBN: 0916291960 Abstract: A family helps Mom deliver her baby at home. |
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Title: All About Scabs Author(s): Gen'ichiro Yagyu & Amanda Mayer Stinchecum Publisher: New York: Kane/Miller Book Publishers Year: 1998 ISBN: 0916291820 Abstract: Explains how scabs form and the healing function they serve. |
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Title: Breasts Author(s): Gen'ichiro Yagyu Publisher: Brooklyn, NY: Kane/Miller Book Publishers Year: 1999 ISBN: 091629188X Abstract: Explains the nature and development of breasts in females and how they are used to breast-feed milk to babies. Includes a section for mothers to read to children who were not breast-fed for medical reasons. |
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Title: Everybody Has a Belly Button: Your Life Before You Were Born Author(s): Laurence P. Pringle and Clare Wood Publisher: Honesdale, PA: Caroline House/Boyds Mills Press Year: 1997 ISBN: 1563970090 Abstract: Discusses human life before birth and, hence, the reason for the bellybutton. Title: How You Were Born Author(s): Joanna.Cole Publisher: New York: Morrow Year: 1984 ISBN: 068812061X Abstract: Text and photos explain how a baby is conceived, how it grows inside the mother's womb, and how it is born. |
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Title: Am I Blue?: Coming out from the Silence Author(s): Marion Dane Bauer Publisher: New York: HarperCollins Year: 1994 ISBN: 0060242531 Abstract: A collection of short stories about homosexuality by such authors as Bruce Coville, M.E. Kerr, William Sleator, and Jane Yolen. Title: Finding Our Way: The Teen Girls' Survival Guide Author(s): Allison Abner and Linda Villarosa Publisher: New York: HarperPerennial Year: 1995 ISBN: 0060951141 Abstract: An illustrated guide that helps teen girls discover who they are, what they want in life, and how they can deal with today's complex world. |
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Title: It's Perfectly Normal: A Book about Changing Bodies, Growing up, Sex, and Sexual Health Author(s): Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley Publisher: Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press Year: 1994 ISBN: 1564021998 Abstract: A candid, illustrated guide that explores issues about girls growing up in today's society. Discussing topics relate to sexuality, puberty, sexual intercourse and abortion. |
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Title: The Period Book: Everything You Don't Want to Ask (But Need to Know) Author(s): Karen Gravelle, Jennifer Gravelle, and Debbie Palen Publisher: New York: Walker & Co. Year: 1996 ISBN: 0802784208 Abstract: Explains what happens at the onset of menstruation, discussing what to wear, going to the gynecologist, and how to handle various problems. Note: Also available in Spanish: El libro del período: todo lo que no atreves preguntar (pero necesitas saber) Title: What's Going on Down There: Answers to Questions Boys Find Hard to Ask Author(s): Karen Gravelle, Nick Castro, Chava Castro, and Robert Leighton Publisher: New York: Walker and Co. Year: 1998 ISBN: 0802786715 Abstract: Describes the physical and emotional changes that occur in boys (and, to a lesser extent, in girls) during puberty and discusses sexual activity, homosexuality, AIDS, and other related topics. |
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