My Body Belongs to Me

By Jill Starishevsky; Illustrated by Sara Muller
Safety Star Media, $14.95, 32 pages

Children between the ages of 3 and 10 do not have a natural concept of personal and physical privacy.   My Body Belongs to Me can serve as a training tool for parents, relatives and children.   This children’s book by Jill Starishevsky is, in effect, a personal and social responsibility training tool.  My Body teaches parents how to talk to their children about their bodies, in terms they can understand and accept, and about the key difference between their public and private parts. 

Children who listen to the book being read to them, or who read it on their own, will learn about the warning signals of inappropriate behavior (touching) by adults.   Further, they will learn that they need to take action when they suspect that an adult has done something wrong; action for which they will be praised and rewarded.  My Body also ensures that children will not feel guilty for the improper actions of an adult – their innocence remains in place.  

New York City prosecutor Starishevsky has performed a major public service in producing this book which can help adults protect their small loved ones, and – just as importantly – help those little ones protect themselves.   Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Ruta Arellano