"What's Happening to Me?" The Classic Illustrated Children's Book on Puberty
Product ID: 495148
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For more than twenty years, the internationally bestselling team behind Where Did I Come From? has helped millions of parents and children talk about the facts of life in a straightforward yet lighthearted way that is respectful of young people’s natural intelligence. Warmly and relatably illustrated throughout, What’s Happening to Me? creates a safe space where families can talk about the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty and adolescence, answering the questions that kids ask most often. Why is my chest getting bumpy? What's a wet dream? What's a period? Why is my voice acting so funny? Why do I get pimples? What's an erection? Why am I getting hairy? Why is mine not like his? This book answers the big questions, and explains the big changes. One look at the illustrations will tell you that this is not a dull medical textbook but rather it presents the facts of puberty, and it presents them with honesty, sympathy and a sense of humor. If you’ve been wondering how to have this talk with your children, look no further for a trusted resource that will give you the tools you need to share this critical information sensitively and factually. “You can't deny Mayle's talent for translating adult experience into child-level concepts.” — Kirkus Reviews Review: Helpful tool - There's no substitute for open dialogue between parents and their children, but this book is a great tool. I was given this book at about ten years old by my mother, and I bought a copy for my children. I probably talk to my kids more than they'd like, I don't shy away from what may be considered "difficult" subjects. This book helps make sure you don't miss anything, and easily explains what, how, and approximately when each stage of puberty occurs. There are some realistic (as well as a few cartoony) nude drawings of male and female adolescents through the stages of puberty, so be aware of that. I personally think it's fine for my kids to see these, as it answers questions about not only their own body, but also some possibly embarrassing curiosity about the opposite sex. If that's not something you're comfortable with, then this book isn't for you. Review: Good straightforward book - I had this book as a kid, so I recently bought it for my daughter (age 9) since she's been asking a lot of questions about her body changing. I re-read it before giving it to her to see it from a parent/2024 perspective. It has actually stood the test of time pretty well. My only complaint is that it assumes the reader is always heterosexual and only mentions attraction between opposites. But otherwise, pretty good. No body-shaming, misogyny, etc. that one might be concerned about from an older book. Straightforward and easy to understand.
| Best Sellers Rank | #78,004 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #38 in Medical Adolescent Psychology #51 in Popular Adolescent Psychology #65 in Children's Books on Maturing |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 744 Reviews |
P**A
Helpful tool
There's no substitute for open dialogue between parents and their children, but this book is a great tool. I was given this book at about ten years old by my mother, and I bought a copy for my children. I probably talk to my kids more than they'd like, I don't shy away from what may be considered "difficult" subjects. This book helps make sure you don't miss anything, and easily explains what, how, and approximately when each stage of puberty occurs. There are some realistic (as well as a few cartoony) nude drawings of male and female adolescents through the stages of puberty, so be aware of that. I personally think it's fine for my kids to see these, as it answers questions about not only their own body, but also some possibly embarrassing curiosity about the opposite sex. If that's not something you're comfortable with, then this book isn't for you.
A**K
Good straightforward book
I had this book as a kid, so I recently bought it for my daughter (age 9) since she's been asking a lot of questions about her body changing. I re-read it before giving it to her to see it from a parent/2024 perspective. It has actually stood the test of time pretty well. My only complaint is that it assumes the reader is always heterosexual and only mentions attraction between opposites. But otherwise, pretty good. No body-shaming, misogyny, etc. that one might be concerned about from an older book. Straightforward and easy to understand.
J**E
Great read for a growing child
I was so happy to find this book for the kids. My mom gave this book to me and my sister at around 10 years old. It was great to learn how our bodies would change and I never forgot about this book
A**9
Oldie, but goodie!
Great book to explain puberty! Had it as a tween and bought for my son, when he became a tween!
K**L
Humorous & Factual. A Must Have For All Kids, Age 8+
I purchased this book for my daughter and we read it from cover to cover the day it arrived in the mail! My daughter and I found 'What's Happening to Me' to be humorous and factual. What could have been an awkward conversation ended up being a bonding moment. We giggled, we talked straight, we smiled, we hugged! The pictures are great and really lightened the tone of the book. Some of the drawings even led to further discussion on the topic at hand. These attributes made a potentially embarrassing conversation feel natural, comfortable and fun. I'm going to hang on to this book and share it with my son in a few years. While I had 'the talk' with my daughter at age 11, I think this book could appropriately be shared with kids age 8 and up.
M**S
EXCELLENT! Not too serious and FAR from boring. Fun to read, great illustrations!
By far my favorite!!! I read their other famous book “Where Did I Come From” when I was a child and have been using it to teach our own children. I love the anatomically correct cartoon drawings of the little chubby people so it totally lightens the feel in the room when our child and I giggle together over the drawings, but the words are all still very true and straight to the point. EXCELLENT book that still works in today’s society just as well as it did in the 1970s!
E**Y
Excellent Book!
My mother bought this book for me when I was a child, I'm now 48. I bought it for my daughter who is almost 20 and I'm buying it again for my son who will be 9 next year. It may be best for some parents to introduce or read this with their children, especially if they are very innocent and have no concept of the physical difference between boys and girls, but it is a great tool to help teach your kid about puberty.
P**R
Pretty good, but dated
I guess some reviewers felt this book had too liberal of an attitude towards masturbation. I don’t agree. I think that’s important information for young people. I do agree that the section on menstruation has a pretty negative slant and could be better. I also take issue with the fact the book doesn’t address same sex attraction. That’s really my biggest complaint, but overall it does have lots of good information and is a good resource.
M**A
insightful
recommended
P**R
Satisfied
Good to share with children’s at correct age
F**R
What's happening to Me ?
Joliment écris et illustré; cela mériterait d'être traduit et très largement diffusé dans les écoles, et même des adultes pourraient s'en inspirer; J'espère qu'une traduction en Français existe; ne soyons pas égoistes !
S**D
Excellent
I have used this book for years as they approach puberty. None threatening and kids can have it as a reference independently, after parent and child review it.
O**I
Classic coming of age Q & A
Classic coming of age Q & A. Given to me by my mum and now passed to my son. Informative but approachable text with dad-joke moments of cringe worthiness that makes it embarrassingly easy to read.
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