Under Our Clothes: Our First Talk About Our Bodies

Under Our Clothes: Our First Talk About Our Bodies is a new addition to “The World Around Us” series, following On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety, On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice, On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy, and On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty. As in the previous titles, this nonfiction picture book encourages and facilitates a conversation about current, often complex, topics. The preface sets the body-positive tone of the discussions: “It is important for everyone to feel comfortable in their body, regardless of what size or shape it is. And it is important that everyone respects and takes good care of their body.”

Eleven questions are posed, all from the point of view of a curious child, including, “When I was in the changeroom last week, I noticed that some people change behind a towel or in private rooms, and others don’t mind being seen naked. Why?”, “Is it ever okay for someone to look at my private parts?”, and “My friend always wears a T-shirt at the pool. He says he doesn’t like the way he looks. Why would he not like his own body?” The answers are written by Dr. Jillian Roberts, a child psychologist, professor and parent. Brief and succinct, the authentic responses introduce such topics as privacy and personal space, boundaries, and body image. Sidebars define terms like body shaming and consent and offer information about the importance of gender-neutral restrooms providing a safe space for those who are transgender or do not identify as either a male or a female. A body-safety checklist is also included, with affirmative statements like, “My body belongs to me and no one else”, “I know how I feel emotionally and physically when something feels uncomfortable and/or unsafe”, and “No secrets”.

Full-colour, stock photographs relate to the context of the questions posed and show a diverse group of children and families smiling and playing at a public pool and on a playground. Jane Heinrichs’ watercolour sketches of four friends talking to each other and reflecting on their individual thoughts are scattered throughout the pages.

In a concluding note from the author, Dr. Roberts shares her own personal experiences growing up and being uncomfortable in her own skin. Frankness and honesty are hallmarks of this series, and Under Our Clothes: Our First Talk About Our Bodies> is a useful resource to facilitate important conversations.