The Right Touch reaches beyond the usual scope of a children's picture book. It is a parenting book that introduces a very difficult topic--the sexual abuse of young children. This gentle, thoughtful story can be read aloud to a child by any trusted caregiver.
In the story, young Jimmy's mom explains the difference between touches that are positive and touches that are secret, deceptive or forced. She tells him how to resist inappropriate touching, affirming that abuse is not the child s fault.
The introduction provides valuable information about sexual abuse and guidance on what to do if your child experiences an abusive situation. Jody Bergsma's gentle illustrations soften the impact of this story; yet this portrayal of a dangerous situation is very realistic. If your child is old enough to sit still and listen to a story, he or she is old enough for The Right Touch.
Used by parents and teachers nationwide to help children avoid sexual abuse, this book won the 1999 Benjamin Franklin Parenting Award. It was a finalist for the Small Press Award and was also "Selected as Outstanding" by the Parent Council, Ltd.
The Right Touch: A Read-Aloud Book to Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse ANNOTATION As a way of teaching her little boy about sexual abuse, a mother tells him the story of a child who was lured into the neighbor's house to see some non-existent kittens.
FROM THE PUBLISHER Giving caregivers a gentle, thoughtful tool to help prevent child sexual abuse, "The Right Touch" revolves around Jimmy, whose mother gently explains how to protect himself from improper touching by strangers.
FROM THE CRITICS Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger Prefaced by a page of suggestions for parents and teachers using the book, The Right Touch deals with the subject of preventing child sex abuse. The story features a mother who chats with her children following a tickling session before bedtime. She continues to talk about proper and improper touching of children by adults, and gives several examples. There is discussion on the parts of the anatomy where improper touching may occur. Strategies for protecting oneself are explored. Written by a licensed social worker, the book's treatment is sensitive as well as straightforward, and is accompanied by non-threatening and helpful illustrations.
Children's Literature - Leila Toledo Parents often have difficulty discussing sexual topics with their children. This is a parenting book that parents can use to discuss sexual abuse of young children. The story is meant to be read aloud to a child. In the story a mother tells her son about the difference between good and bad touching. An important aspect of the book is that it tells the child that they should trust their feelings when something doesn't feel right and how to resist inappropriate touching. Research has shown that in most situations the child knows the adult. It emphasizes that the child should be told that bad touching is not the child's fault. This tends to be a serious issue since children are usually taught to respect their elders. It is a well-done treatment of a difficult subject and reflects the author's 20 years of social work experience. The whimsical illustrations add softness to a very difficult subject.
School Library Journal PreS-Gr 3--A picture book that clearly instructs children on how to deal with unwanted and inappropriate touching through a heart-to-heart talk between a little boy and his mother. The author sensitively distinguishes between the loving touch we all need and "secret, deceptive, or forced touching." Children are encouraged to listen to their own feelings, assert their right to stop unwanted contact, and get help from trusted adults "even if it is supposed to be a secret." An informative foreword to adults gives valuable information on communicating personal safety to children and advice for helping those who report abuse. The illustrations of big-eyed children, comfy teddy bears, and fuzzy pets are not distinguished but do contribute to the cozy, safe tone of the book. The primary audience will be parents looking for materials to help them introduce this important topic, but older children will find the clarity and warmth of the message reassuring on their own.--Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
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