Books for All Bodies

When it comes to bodies, kids have a lot of questions. Toddlers want to know what body parts are called, preschoolers may ask how babies are made, school-aged children are starting to wonder about puberty, and teens need to understand sex, relationships, and consent. Many of the books that parents in this generation have grown up with, however, tended to leave a lot of bodies and families out of the conversation. Luckily, we’re now seeing a whole range of diverse and inclusive body books emerge, for young people of all ages.

Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries has partnered with Parents of Trans, Two Spirit, and Gender Diverse Kids peer support group to bring you some of our favourite inclusive titles about bodies, babies, puberty, and sex.

[Note: An earlier version of this article appeared in The Telegram (October 16, 2021) as part of NLPL's monthly column. It can be accessed with your library card via PressReader. It has been updated to add newly published titles as of June 2022.]

Updated June 14, 2023
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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...

Ages 2-7

A vibrantly-illustrated picture book that is beautifully body-positive and inclusive of human physical diversity, including size, race, disabilities, scars, body hair, gender, and family types. The illustrations are colourful and joyful, with small details that kids will delight in finding. The book celebrates many body parts - skin, hair, eyes, faces, fingers, tummies, legs, and scars. The only addition (or sequel?) we hoped for was a fuller portrayal of anatomy - similar to the now three decades-old Bare Naked Book - because we think these authors would have a wonderfully inclusive approach to genital anatomy. One of the best we’ve seen

The bare naked book /
Stinson, Kathy
Paper Book
Bodies, bodies! Big and small, short and tall, young and old--Every BODY is different! The Bare Naked Book has been a beloved fixture in libraries, classrooms, and at-home story times since its original publication in 1986. Now, this revised edition is ready to meet a new generation of...

Ages 2-7

This important classic picture book about parts of the body has gotten a wonderfully inclusive update and new illustrations that reflect a range of diversity. Similar to "Bodies Are Cool" in style, but (as promised by the title), this book also features bare naked bodies with a spread about genitals. Body parts aren't named specifically beyond the term "genitals," and aren't identified by gender, which makes this book great for anyone. Parents and caregivers can choose to add additional naming language as needed

Let's talk about it : [graphic novel] the teen's guide to sex, relationships, an
Moen, Erika, 1983-
Paper Book
Is what I'm feeling normal? Is what my body is doing normal? Am I normal? How do I know what are the right choices to make? How do I know how to behave? How do I fix it when I make a mistake? Let's talk about it. Growing up is complicated. How do you...

Ages 14+

An appealing book in graphic novel format for teens who want to know more about how sex and relationships work, and are comfortable getting into the specifics of both. The illustrations are inclusive and joyously body-positive, with diverse representation of gender, body size, sexuality, race, and ability. Topics are explored in a series of short dialogue-rich comics that cover consent, types of romantic relationships, body image, gender identity, safe sex, masturbation, fantasies, climax, sexting, and much more. Features in-depth descriptions of anatomy and puberty that are genderinclusive, with language like “generally testosterone rich body.” A supportive sexpositive book that centers consent, respect, communication, and emotional wellbeing.

A quick & easy guide to queer & trans identities [graphic novel] /
G, Mady
Paper Book
A great starting point for anyone curious about queer and trans life, and helpful for those already on their own journeys! In this quick and easy guide to queer and trans identities, cartoonists Mady G and Jules Zuckerberg guide you through the basics of the LGBT+ world! Covering...
A quick & easy guide to asexuality [graphic novel] /
Muldoon, Molly, 1987-
Paper Book
"An engaging and essential handbook for anyone interested in gaining insight into an oft-misunderstood community." -- Library Journal This book is for anyone who wants to learn about asexuality, and for Ace people themselves, to validate their experiences. ...
A quick & easy guide to they/them pronouns /
Bongiovanni, Archie
Paper Book
A quick, easy and important educational comic guide to using gender-neutral pronouns. "A great, simple look at the importance of using correct pronouns; extremely accessible to those for whom gender-neutral language is a new concept." -- School Library Journal...

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