Product Description

"If you're having trouble talking to your children about sex--knowing what to say and when to say it--then here is the book for you. The talented team who created the acclaimed Dino Life Guides for Families is ready to help. With characteristic sensitivity, they present answers to tough questions. Here is an introduction to sex along with the ways girls and boys differ...and are the same. What's the Big Secret is the beginning of one of the most important conversations you and your child will have."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7904 in Books
• Published on: 2000-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Using straight text as well as cartoons including dialogue balloons, this "chatty yet frank" book, according to PW, "will put young readers--and their parents--totally at ease." Ages 4-8. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3?How can you tell a boy from a girl? What are the proper terms for genitalia? How do you make a baby? Where does a belly button come from? The Browns answer these and similar questions in an honest, but superficial way that will satisfy some youngsters, but leave others with many questions unanswered. Overly detailed for younger children and too incomplete for those nearing puberty, this information will be most useful as a bridge between books meant for preschoolers describing birth and those that tackle the process of maturation, sexuality, and the responsibilities and choices that come with growing up. The illustrations are excellent: colorful and cartoonlike, yet clear in their representation of human anatomy in both internal and external views. The layout and cover design will attract youngsters and their familiarity with this author/illustrator team will also add to its appeal. The greatest value of this work, however, will be in promoting dialogue between caregivers and children, especially if they read it together, but adults should be prepared to field many ancillary questions not covered in the text.?Melissa Gross, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
A well-intentioned but less than satisfactory picture book on sex education for primary-grade children, from the team behind Dinosaurs Die (1996), and other guides. In simple words and drawings, the book covers anatomical differences (both external and internal) between boys and girls; rudimentary facts about sexual behavior (including masturbation), pregnancy, and birth; and information about ``good'' touching and ``bad'' touching. Set on a nearly impossible course, the book errs by providing both too much information and too little. Certain structures (e.g., clitoris, seminal vesicles, foreskin) are mentioned in the text or shown in diagrams with no further explanation. Intercourse is defined as ``when a man and woman fit his penis into her vagina,'' but the diagrams of the male and female organs make such a ``fit'' inconceivable. That sperm and egg meet during intercourse is clear, but ejaculation and the motility of sperm are not mentioned, possibly giving rise to some alarming speculations about the mechanics of coitus. In the section about ``bad touch'' the child is advised to ``speak up and tell him or her to stop. If that doesn't work, tell your mom or dad or another grown-up.'' A responsible adult should be informed of any inappropriate touching. The laudable ambition--to make it easier for parents to talk with their children--is only partially realized. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Birds + Bees + Kids Pick!
A great book for kids 5 and under, it covers the basic information kids need to know about how babies are made, okay/not okay touches and families. Its fun cartoon illustrations make it an engaging read for the preschool set.

I love the drawings of naked boys and girls that show how we are alike and different. At this age, kids are very curious about body parts, both public and private, and this book gives them a safe place to check out the opposite sex.

Remember to read it yourself before you read it to your kids - maybe even out loud. Saying "penis enters the vagina" gets easier the more times you say it!

Great Book!
We purchased this book to read with our 10 1/2 year old. It's a very age appropriate book and a great introduction to the "birds and the bees". It gives just enough information without being overwhelming for little minds and it helps to open the door to communication with your kids abut sex. We highly recommend this book.

to much info
I bought this book to explain sex to my 10 year old daughter. I read it first then hide it fast! I didn't let my daughter read it. The book was good until it talked about masturbation. It says, "Touching and rubbing your genitals to feel good is called masturbation." This is not something I want her to know about yet. It also says 'sexual intercourse feels wonderful.' Well, I don't want her to know that either. (I don't want to lie to the girl!) So the hunt is back on for the perfect sex book.