Child Safety Book List

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, the Children's Justice Center has shared a list of titles they recommend for children.

We recommend previewing books before reading them with your child and being ready for any questions your child may have about the book’s content. Reading together with your child can open the door to important conversations about body parts and safety. Reading books together may be a nice introduction to an adult-led conversation on rules or expectations. Not all books cover every aspect of child safety, reading a variety of books on many topics opens the door for important discussions on difficult topics.

As part of sharing these books, we encourage you to start conversations about body safety at your child’s developmental level, using correct names for all body parts, including genitalia. This empowers children to speak up if they experience inappropriate, uncomfortable, or confusing touches. Many of the included books also provide guidance on sharing this content with your child to help with these conversations.

Updated March 20, 2025
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Can I give you a squish?
Neilson, Emily
Paper Book
An important lesson on consent for over-exuberant little huggers, nestled inside this lighthearted, summery story about expressions of love and friendship. Kai is a little mer-boy who's big on hugs--or "squishes," as he and his mama call them. But not everyone's a fan of Kai's...

Toddler

SAME LOVE, DIFFERENT HUG
Hovorka, Sarah/ Bryant, Abbey (ILT)
Paper Book
A sensitive and honest picture book that celebrates the different ways in which we can show each other affection. We like hugs big or small, squeeze-me-tight or feathery light. Bear hugs, morning hugs, jump hugs, too. Quiet, loud; they all feel right. ...

Preschool

I love my body because /
Anand, Shelly,
Paper Book
All Are Welcome meets Bodies Are Cool in this picture book that shows us what makes every body special. Everybody has a body and every body is good. Your body takes you where you want to go. Your body is your first home. And your body is different from everyone else...

Preschool

Consent (for kids!) : boundaries, respect, and being in charge of you
Brian, Rachel
Paper Book
With clear explanations, fun illustrations, and expertly-presented information, Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering introduction to consent, bodily autonomy, and respect for yourself and others. Consent is like being ruler of your own country.....

Kids


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