All about vulvas and vaginas A learning about bodies book

In this early title in the Learning About Bodies series, educators Solot and Miller take a straightforward approach, eschewing gendered language to introduce vulvas and vaginas. Brightly hued, textbook-like drawings and diagrams by Feder (Bodies Are Cool) portray variously inclusive bodies while employing defined line work to depict the vulva, inner and outer labia, urethra, vagina, anus, and clitoris alongside spot-art illustrations (an adult changes an infant's diaper, a child sits on a toilet). Emphasizing that "however they look is just right for that body," the authors briefly detail each part's function (the clitoris "has lots of nerve endings inside it"), then delve clearly into concepts of privacy and consent ("It's okay to touch these body parts when you're in private"; "It is always okay to say no if someone wants to touch these private parts"). Educational and approachable, this engaging read offers up age-appropriate definitions of these "private parts" while describing them as "just parts of the body, like elbows, chins, or toes" as well as "pretty special" components that "do things that no other body part can do." Includes information for caretakers. Publishing simultaneously: All About Penises. Ages 3--7. (Apr.)

"Lots of people have vulvas!" "Maybe you're curious to learn more about vulvas and vaginas," the authors of this upbeat text note. They go on to offer direct explanations about anatomy, with some information about topics such as bodily autonomy. Multiple pages of diagrams point out different parts, such as the inner and outer labia, the clitoris, and the vagina. Childbirth is briefly examined, with a somewhat manic use of exclamation points: "When a grown-up has a baby, most of the time the baby is born through their vagina! Some babies are born other ways, and that's fine too!" A caregiver's note at the end explores vaginal and cesarean births in more detail. Solot and Miller employ gender-neutral language throughout, though they don't cover gender identity. They briefly address unwanted touch, letting readers know that genitals are private parts ("If you aren't sure about someone touching you or you feel mixed-up, you may decide to talk to a grown-up you trust"). The note at the end for adults discusses preventing sexual abuse, as well as intersex bodies, masturbation, and "How to be an askable parent," while a note at the beginning stresses the importance of providing accurate, age-appropriate info on genitals. Feder's bright, cartoonish illustrations depict racially diverse characters. A concise, no-nonsense primer on bodies. (Informational picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.