30 Books About Consent and Bodily Autonomy For Toddlers and Kids

Amazon's Description: "Doug doesn't like hugs. He thinks hugs are too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, too smooshy. He doesn't like hello hugs or goodbye hugs, game-winning home run hugs or dropped ice cream cone hugs, and he definitely doesn't like birthday hugs. He'd much rather give a high five--or a low five, a side five, a double five, or a spinny five. Yup, some people love hugs; other people don't. So how can you tell if someone likes hugs or not? There's only one way to find out: Ask! Because everybody gets to decide for themselves whether they want a hug or not."

Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like It) by Carrie Finison ($17)

Amazon's Description: "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 spirited embrace, which he discovers soon after squishing a puffer fish, who swells up in fright! Kai feels awful; but with the help of his friends, he figures out another way to show his affection, and then everyone demonstrates their preferred ways of being greeted. Because, as Kai realizes, 'Every fish likes their own kind of squish.'"

Can I Give You a Squish? by Emily Neilson ($18)

Amazon's Description: "How many hugs is too many? This girl's had enough! This humorous picture book explores compassion and the importance of setting boundaries. After coughing up a hairball, a girl's cat doesn't feel well. So the girl offers to give her cat a hug, which makes the cat — and the girl — feel better. A dog notices and asks for a hug, too. Then some ducks come along asking for hugs. And a skunk . . . and a bear — and a porcupine! One animal after another comes asking the girl for a hug until she's simply had enough. How much more of this can she take?

With spare text and wonderfully expressive illustrations, Charlene Chua has created a playful, funny picture book with an original premise. The story shows how important hugs can be to our happiness — even the most unlikely of creatures sometimes need one! — but that doesn't mean they're always welcome. The book is full of laugh-out-loud moments, most of which are found in illustrations that vividly portray the girl's emotions as she grows more worn out with every encounter, encouraging visual literacy. Each spread also shows a hint of the animal that will appear next, building anticipation for what's to come. There are character education connections here to compassion, tolerance and empathy, and a terrific opportunity for discussions about boundaries."

Hug? by Charlene Chua ($17)

Amazon's Description: "A lovebird who doesn't like kisses?!

Rissy's friends and family wonder if she's sick, confused, or rude. But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there's no one right way to show you care?

Rissy No Kissies carries the message that "your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share." A note at the end provides further information for kids, parents, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection."

Rissy No Kissies by Katie Howes ($18)

Amazon's Description: "Zara loves hugs, so she is confused and upset when her friend Alice doesn't want a hug. When the tables are turned, she appreciates her friend's perspective and realizes that a hug takes two willing individuals."

No Hugs! by Deirdre Prischmann ($17)

Amazon's Description: "Daisy happens to be fluffy--she's a young chick after all. Her friends can't help but want to pet her, squeeze her, and tell her how cute she is. But Daisy doesn't want to be hugged or kissed. She's not just fluff; Daisy has substance! But how can she tell everyone to give her some space without hurting their feelings?"

More Than Fluff by Madeline Valentine ($18)

Bookshop.org's Description: "The crucial skills taught in this book will help children to protect their bodies from inappropriate touch. Children will be empowered to say in a strong and clear voice, 'This is my body! What I say goes!' Through age-appropriate illustrations and engaging text this book . . . will teach children the following crucial and empowering skills in personal body safety:

- identifying safe and unsafe feelings
- recognizing early warning signs
- developing a safety network
- using the correct names for private parts
- understanding the difference safe and unsafe touch
- understanding the difference between secrets and surprises
- respecting body boundaries.

Approximately 20% of girls, and 8% of boys will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday (Pereda, et al, 2009). Parents, caregivers, and educators have a duty of care to protect children by teaching them Body Safety skills. These skills empower children, and go a long way in keeping them safe from abuse - ensuring they grow up as assertive and confident teenagers and adults. Also included in this book are in-depth Discussion Questions to further enhance the learning and to initiate important family conversations around body autonomy."

My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders ($12)

Book's Description: "Finn goes to a party with family and friends. His parents encourage him to make his own choices about receiving and offering physical affection. At the end of the story, Finn waits for consent before holding the hand of his female best friend.

C Is For Consent follows expert recommendations about letting kids make their own decisions regarding physical affection. The book teaches babies, toddlers, parents, and grandparents that it is okay for kids to say no to hugs and kisses, and that what happens to a person's body is up to them. This helps children grow up confident in their bodies, comfortable with expressing physical boundaries, and respectful of the boundaries of others."

C Is For Consent by Eleanor Morrison ($14)

Barnes and Noble's Description: "'No Means No!' is a children's picture book about an empowered little girl who has a very strong and clear voice in all issues, especially those relating to her body and personal boundaries. This book can be read to children from 3 to 9 years."

No Means No! by Jayneen Sanders ($9)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Consent is like being ruler of your own country...population: YOU.

This is a smart, playful guide to consent and bodily autonomy, packed with bright and energetic illustrations. Readers will learn about boundaries and how to set them; ways to respect themselves and others; what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe; and much more. Along the way, they'll be encouraged to reflect on (and improve!) their own behavior and to practice consent in their daily lives.

Whether you're looking for a consent primer to share with a friend or searching for a way to talk to your child about what it means to be in control of their own body and respect others', look no further! This humorous and insightful book from the co-creator of the viral "Tea Consent" video is the perfect teaching tool, conversation starter, and insightful, empowering resource for educators, kids, and families everywhere."

Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You by Rachel Brian ($14)

Bookshop.org's Description: "The latest installment in The Mother Company's award-winning 'MILES' series, Miles Is The Boss Of His Body is a fun, engaging way to explore the potentially difficult topic of kids' personal safety. On his 6th birthday, Miles' excitement is dimmed when he finds himself being pinched, noogied, hugged too tight, picked up and tickled by his well-intentioned family and decides he's had enough! When Miles decrees that he is the 'Boss of his body,' his whole family expresses support and respect for his personal boundaries. In a colorful, comic-book style, young kids will laugh while learning this potentially life-saving concept that can benefit them for years to come."

Miles Is the Boss of His Body by Samantha Kurtzman-Counter ($12)

Book's Description: "Teaching young children about body boundaries, both theirs and others, is crucial to a child's growing sense of self, their confidence and how they should expect to be treated by others. A child growing up knowing they have a right to their own personal space, gives that child ownership and choices as to what happens to them and to their body. It is equally important a child understands, from a very young age, they need to respect another person's body boundary and ask for their consent when entering their personal space. This book explores these concepts with children in a child-friendly and easily-understood manner, providing familiar scenarios for children to engage with and discuss. It is important that the reader and the child take the time required to unpack each scenario and explore what they mean both to the character in the book, who may not be respecting someone's body boundary, and to the character who is being disrespected. It is through these vital discussions that children will learn the meaning of body boundaries, consent and respect. Learning these key social skills through such stories as 'Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect' and role-modelling by significant adults can, importantly, carry forward into a child's teenage years and adult life."

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect by ($12)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Julie, who is eight or nine, talks about privacy and about saying -no- to touching that makes her uncomfortable."

My Body Is Private by Linda Walvoord Girard ($6)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Louis is back! And this time, he's learning all about personal space. Louis, a self-taught space expert is delighted to learn that his teacher has sent him to the principal's office to attend personal space camp. Eager to learn more about lunar landings, space suits, and other cosmic concepts, Louis soon discovers that he has much to learn about personal space right here on earth. Written with style, wit, and rhythm, personal space camp addresses the complex issue of respect for another person's physical boundaries. Told from Louis perspective, this story is a must-have resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to communicate the idea of personal space in a manner that connects with kids."

Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook ($9)

Bookshop.org's Description: "A comic book for kids that includes children and families of all makeups, orientations, and gender identities, Sex Is a Funny Word is an essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for children ages 8 to 10 as well as their parents and caregivers. Much more than the 'facts of life' or 'the birds and the bees,' Sex Is a Funny Word opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy."

Sex Is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and You by Cory Silverberg ($22)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Meet Ladybug. Ladybug loves to hug! Now Ladybug is getting ready to go on a trip and wants to say good-bye to her friends. . . but will her friends want to receive a hug? Find out in this surprising and memorable storybook all about friendship, high-fives, consent, and of course, hugs."

Will Ladybug Hug? by Hilary Leung ($7)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Harrison P. Spader sat a little too close. Shook hands a little too long. High-fived a little too hard. And hugged a little too much. Harrison P. Spader was a personal space invader. But that all changes when he learns the Space Saver rhyme: Arms out front, then out real wide. Now place your arms back by your sides. Author Christianne Jones uses humor and relatable situations to teach early learners about self awareness. This entertaining picture book in the Little Boost series will tackle a much-needed topic for teachers, parents, and librarians."

Harrison P. Spader, Personal Space Invader by Christianne C. Jones ($14)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Patiently forthcoming with lessons your parents redacted, this necessary conversation stresses consent, sex positivity, and the right to be curious about your body. The dialogue focuses on the dynamics of sex, rather than the mechanics, as Grandma reminds readers that sex is not marriage or reproduction, and doesn't look the same for everyone. Instead, each person's sexuality is their very own to discover, explore, and share if they choose."

Tell Me About Sex, Grandma by Anastasia Higginbotham ($17)

Bookshop.org's Description: "The Nonnie Series addresses challenging topics for children and adults with kindness and respect. The idea of consent if too often relegated to adult conversations; children hear and listen to adult words and are often confused. Consent is more than sex or adult relationships; teaching people the concept of consent as children and young people can lay a foundation for communication and healthy relationships. The two main characters in The Nonnie Series, Tamika and Alex, learn about setting boundaries, respecting little people during tickling or play, sharing feelings and vulnerability, ways to talk about older relatives who kiss and pinch cheeks, and dealing with crushes. Along the way, the children's friend Hailey discloses unwanted touch and Nonnie guides the children to an awareness of their own self-worth. They discover the power of "Owning their no" and the reality that yes means yes. Created for adults and children in grades 3 - 8, Nonnie Talks about Consent seeks to inspire dialogue between child and adult while modeling respect and kindness."

Nonnie Talks About Consent by Mary Jo Podgurski ($25)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Children learn what they practice!

This engaging and interactive book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the physical sensations that accompany them. From wiggly and squirmy to rested and still, Listening to My Body helps children develop a sensations vocabulary so that they can express what they are experiencing. Easy, kid-friendly mindfulness activities are woven throughout to reinforce the teachings.

Practicing these skill helps kids build on their capacity to be mindful, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience so that they can get better at showing care and kindness for themselves, especially when they experience strong emotions."

Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia ($22)

Bookshop.org's Description: "It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair. In the street, strangers reach for her fluffy curls; and even under the sea, in the jungle, and in space, she's chased by a mermaid, monkeys, and poked by aliens . . . until, finally, Aria has had enough.

Author-illustrator Sharee Miller takes the tradition of appreciation of black hair to a new, fresh, level as she doesn't seek to convince or remind young readers that their curls are beautiful--she simply acknowledges black beauty while telling a fun, imaginative story."

Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller ($17)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Claire is feeling uncomfortable about the attention her soccer coach is giving her. Too much flattery and too much contact give her that uh-oh feeling. By seeking help from others and talking about her feelings, the situation is resolved happily."

That Uh-Oh Feeling: A Story About Touch by Kathryn Cole ($16)

Bookshop.org's Description: "The 26 'key' letters and accompanying words will help children to learn and consolidate age-appropriate, crucial and life-changing body safety and consent skills. Designed as a 'dip in and dip out' book, the text, the child-centred questions and the stunning illustrations will reinforce key skills such as consent, respect, body boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, Early Warning Signs, Safety Network, private parts, and the difference between secrets and surprises. Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators. Suitable for children 4 to 10 years."

ABC of Body Safety and Consent by Jayneen Sanders ($12)

Bookshop.org's Description: "Geared to readers from preschool to age eight, What Makes a Baby is a book for every kind of family and every kind of kid. It is a twenty-first century children's picture book about conception, gestation, and birth, which reflects the reality of our modern time by being inclusive of all kinds of kids, adults, and families, regardless of how many people were involved, their orientation, gender and other identity, or family composition. Just as important, the story doesn't gender people or body parts, so most parents and families will find that it leaves room for them to educate their child without having to erase their own experience."

What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg ($17)

Barnes and Noble's Description: "Helping kids set healthy boundaries for their private parts can be a daunting and awkward task for parents, counselors and educators. Written from a kid's point of view, I Said No! makes this task a lot easier. To help Zack cope with a real-life experience he had with a friend, he and his mom wrote a book to help prepare other kids to deal with a range of problematic situations. I Said No! uses kid-friendly language and illustrations to help parents and concerned adults give kids guidance they can understand, practice and use. Using a simple, direct, decidedly non-icky approach that doesn't dumb down the issues involved, as well as an easy-to-use system to help kids rehearse and remember appropriate responses to help keep them safe, I Said No! covers a variety of topics, including:

• What's appropriate and with whom.
• How to deal with inappropriate behavior, bribes and threats.
• When and where to go for help, and what to do if the people you are turning to for help don't listen.
• Dealing with feelings of guilt and shame."

I Said No! by Kimberly and Zack King ($13)

Bookshop.org's Description: "My Body Belongs to Me teaches children body boundaries, instills early awareness and empowerment, and seeks to prevent child physical/sexual abuse. Using easy to understand language and pictures to help relay a fundamentally important message to even the youngest reader. Principles of early psychology and child development are woven throughout this text to safely begin this important conversation, creating a fun but richly powerful experience, and holding space for you to continue integrating healthy body boundaries in your child's life. My Body Belongs to Me is part of a new generation of children's literature aimed to raise children who do not need to recover from their childhood. Prevention begins with awareness and empowerment, it begins at home with you. Recommended for ages 3-4 and up."

My Body Belongs to Me: A Book About Body Boundaries by Lisa Falcon G ($12)

Book's Description: "In simple, reassuring language, therapist Cornelia Spelman explains that a child's body is his or her own; that it is all right for children to decline a friendly hug or kiss, even from someone they love; and that 'even if you don't want a hug or kiss right now, you can still be friends.' She goes on to define private parts and stresses that 'it's important to tell if someone tries to touch your private parts.'"

Your Body Belongs to You by Cornelia Maude Spelman ($6)

Bookshop.org's Description: "'Guess what happened at school today!'

Kindergators work and play happily in Miss Harmony's class. But Harry isn't being a good classmate! He's disrupting Friendly Circle, causing accidents, and upsetting the class. Can the Kindergators find a way to help Harry learn to respect personal space?"

Hands Off, Harry! by Rosemary Wells ($14)

Bookshop.org's Description: "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, though, children fall victims to people who try to touch them inappropriately.
But how do you tell someone, most likely an adult, that you don't want to be touched? Or, if it has already happened, how do you tell an adult you trust about what happened? You're only a child, and they're the adults. Why would they believe you?"

My Body Belongs to Me From My Head to My Toes created by Pro Familia ($16)

Barnes and Noble's Description: "Without being taught about body boundaries, a child may be too young to understand when abuse is happening—or that it's wrong. This straightforward, gentle book offers a tool parents, teachers, and counselors can use to help children feel, be, and stay safe. The rhyming story and simple, friendly illustrations provide a way to sensitively share and discuss the topic, guiding young children to understand that their private parts belong to them alone. The overriding message of My Body Belongs to Me is that if someone touches your private parts, tell your mom, your dad, your teacher, or another safe adult."

My Body Belongs to Me by Jill Starishevsky ($13)