Children's Book Has Parents Outraged: 'I'm In Shock!'

A book aimed at children as young as four has been labelled ‘disgusting’ and inappropriate.

My Body Is Growing is described as a ‘Guide for Children Ages 4 to 8’. But it’s a graphically detailed page on sex that has parents up in arms.

“Parents beware of this book! I’m in shock,” online community Moms & Mamas wrote in an Instagram story.

“Believe it or not this is a book for kids which explains in explicit detail about sex. This book is for 4-8 year olds. This is beyond inappropriate! How was it even approved? The title is very misleading and it just goes to show that we should always read our kids’ books before they read it. In my opinion, this author should be banned from ever writing books for kids.

“At four years of age, my kids should understand their bodies and boundaries. About touching, being touched by others inappropriately and what to do if anyone does. Like say no, scream if the person doesn’t stop, telly mummy/daddy or a trusted adult etc. I also let them know about touching others and where not to. I definitely do not want them reading a book that makes them see sex as ‘enjoyable’. Of what use is that to a 4 or 8 year old?”

My Body Is Growing Book

The book was originally flagged by US-based teacher and mum Ramona Bessinger, before being shared by other parents.

It caused an uproar on Twitter. “I’m in shock ! This is grooming !! They should be reported immediately and someone needs to be charged!”

The book, which can be purchased in Australia, does carry the following online warning: “This book includes realistic descriptions of adult sex for educational purposes. Parental discretion is advised for the age group indicated.”

Written by Dagmar Geisler, My Body Is Growing is described as a ‘comprehensive, fully illustrated guide to our bodies – for boys and girls’.

“By getting to know the students of Class 4b, young readers will learn how their own minds and bodies work,” the book’s blurb explains. ” They’ll learn about friendship, about gender stereotypes, and about the rights they have, even (and especially) as children. Dagmar also addresses sexual abuse and why it’s so important to report it to an adult.”

Here is the cover. I downloaded the book to verify it for myself.
I do my research! Now go do yours and protect your kids! pic.twitter.com/kIPRiWbxr0

— Suz (@SuzCrimi) May 18, 2022

The book has reportedly been removed from sale on Amazon both in Australia and internationally, but is still available from other retailers.

What are your thoughts on this book? Is it inappropriate for young children? Let us know in the comments below.

52 Comments

- - Lividanke said
  - 31 Aug 2024
    5:43 pm
This could be quite confronting for some kids. I’m not sure I’d be in a rush to show it to my kids.

- - Zmijka86 said
  - 29 Jun 2022
    12:51 pm
I don’t think its quite appropriate book for kids.

- - mom461384 said
  - 14 Jun 2022
    12:38 pm
It’s sad that some children of this age need to be taught this information!

- - sharna_booth_weinrowski said
  - 10 Jun 2022
    9:11 am
i think this is not appropriate for young children

- - mom321189 said
  - 10 Jun 2022
    8:29 am
It is inappropriate fpr young children. Body parts and certainly sex education should only be introduced at school at a certain age so kids can fully understand it and know the consequences of unsafe unplan uncommitted sex.

- - mom488194 said
  - 06 Jun 2022
    10:22 am
Hmm yes, I personally find it inappropriate for young children

- - mom160289 said
  - 04 Jun 2022
    9:30 am
Hmm I wouldn’t give it to my kids between 4 to 8, but I’m sure there are parents who have had in depth discussions with similar age kids.

- - HelenP5 said
  - 02 Jun 2022
    8:49 pm
Wrong in so many ways. How can anyone think this is suitable for 4 – 8 year olds?!

- - My Littlebuttons said
  - 02 Jun 2022
    1:04 pm
Oh wow unbelievable I literally have no words

- - emilys said
  - 31 May 2022
    8:48 pm
This does seem incredibly inappropriate.. I’m in shock!

- - Ordinary mum said
  - 30 May 2022
    2:54 pm
Say whaaaat? Absolutely not. No need for a four year or an eight year old to read this book. I’m not a book burner but this one would be going straight on the woodfire.

- - Jessica said
  - 28 May 2022
    4:37 pm
This is so inappropriate for young children.

- - tessie said
  - 27 May 2022
    3:54 pm
This sounds more like a sex book than a book for youngsters to read. More like a book for over 18yo.

- - ~Loui~ said
  - 26 May 2022
    12:42 am
It looks like a good book….for older kids maybe.

- - rovermum said
  - 25 May 2022
    11:18 am
Ooh, that does sit uncomfortably for a child to learn about sex in this way, and at such a young age.

- - mom487937 said
  - 25 May 2022
    10:19 am
That is much to inappropriate and graphic for the age range. I agree with the criticism this is borderline grooming.

- - mom265671 said
  - 24 May 2022
    11:47 pm
4 is definitely too young for me personally to even talk about this in detail!

- - BellaB said
  - 24 May 2022
    6:57 pm
4 is probably a bit young for this description, but by 8 kids are probably hearing things anyway – I’d rather they got an accurate explanation like this. I understand some people being uncomfortable with – particularly for younger kids – but I’m not outraged.
- mom466087 replied
  
  24 May 2022 , 10:45 pm
  Same. I would prefer they know from me well explained and at home
- - mom462038 said
  - 24 May 2022
    12:51 pm
There is a warning on the book, parental discretion I’d advised. Personally, 4yo is too young to know about sex acts.

- - mom101628 said
  - 24 May 2022
    12:41 pm
A book like this shouldn’t be for general knowledge for children of that age. I am aware that some children of 7 and 8 are experimenting sexually and probably do need this sort of instruction, but it surely should be up to the parents and 4 and 5 year olds do not need this sort of explicit explanation.