It's... Just Private
For ages 3-9 Vibrantly colorful illustrations with interesting details keep children engaged as they are being read to or are learning to read for themselves about the story of Jayla and Justin. Both of the main characters enjoy playing hide-and-seek on the playground at school. One day they discover their friends playing a game that they have never heard of before. As many children during the early developmental years innocently and playfully seek to explore the similarities and differences between their bodies and the bodies of others, Jayla and Justin's friends are naively playing a game of pulling their pants down. When the teacher learns of this game, she explains to everyone about private parts. She is sure to explain that these body parts are not bad, just...private. Jayla and Justin both tell their parents, who talk to them about safe and polite boundaries with private body parts. Slight humor is used to encourage open, positive, and playful communication between children and caregivers about this often awkward topic. This book comes from a developmentally appropriate curiosity perspective rather than introducing the concepts of reproduction or molestation."
About Ashley Wroton (Hampton Roads, Virginia Author)
Ashley Wroton works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She also holds a license as a Professional School Counselor. She specializes in helping children who have experienced trauma, have an Autism Spectrum Disorder, or are challenged by anxiety. She attended Old Dominion University. As a former educator, who taught upper elementary and middle school, she has an informed perspective as to what children need to thrive both in their homes and in the classroom, to include assertiveness skills and age appropriate education regarding their bodies.
About Shelby DeBause (Co-Author)
Shelby DeBause is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Hampton, Virginia. She attended Appalachian State University and has worked in the mental health field for 15 years helping children, adults, and families in all seasons of life. She served as the Vice President of the Virginia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for 6 years. As a mother and mentor, she has a special passion regarding the need to empower youth to protect and assert themselves with healthy boundaries.