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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Bodies are cool
Feder, Tyler
Paper Book
This cheerful love-your-body picture book for preschoolers is an exuberant read-aloud with bright and friendly illustrations to pore over.   From the acclaimed creator of Dancing at the Pity Party and Roaring Softly, this picture book is a pure celebration of all the...

Toddler

Yes! No! : a first conversation about consent
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
A picture book edition of the bestselling board book about consent, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. A board book bestseller - now in picture book! Developed by experts in the...

Toddler

Your body belongs to you /
Spelman, Cornelia,
Paper Book
Most of the time you like to get a hug or a kiss, but sometimes you don't want to be touched. At these times it's okay to say "no", because your body belongs to you. In simple, reassuring language, therapist Cornelia Spelman explains that a child's body is his or her own; that it is all right for...

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

Don't hug Doug
Finison, Carrie
Paper Book
Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn't like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent--from author Carrie Finison and the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The World Needs More Purple People, Daniel Wiseman.<...

Preschool

My body belongs to me from my head to my toes
Geisler, Dagmar
Paper Book
Now every parent, grandparent, or teacher can explain to a child the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching in a way that young boys and girls can understand. As a child, there are constantly people trying to pick you up, hug you, or tickle you. Sometimes,...

Preschool

My body! what I say goes! : a book to empower and teach children about personal body safety, feelings, safe and unsafe touch, private parts, secrets and surprises, consent, and respectful relationships
Sanders, Jayneen
Paper Book
This comprehensive, empowering and age-appropriate children's book will teach children about respect, consent and body boundaries. It also explores safe and unsafe feelings, early warning signs, a safety network, the correct names for private parts, safe and unsafe touch, and the difference between...

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

I can play it safe
Feigh, Alison.
Paper Book
Here's help for all adults who want to talk to young children about personal safety. Written by an expert in child safety, this full-color picture book teaches kids (and helps adults reinforce) seven important rules to personal safety in a nonthreatening way. It covers topics like safe versus...

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