About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
An engaging introduction for very young children to the basic facts of life in a way that is gentle, age-appropriate and accessible.
Research shows that children are learning about sex at an increasingly young age and often from undesirable sources. The Q&A format, with questions posed in the child’s voice and answers starting simply and becoming gradually more in-depth, allows the adult to guide the conversation to a natural and satisfying conclusion. Additional questions at the back of the book allow for further discussion.
Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the Just Enough series to empower parents/caregivers to start conversations with young ones about difficult or challenging subject matter. Other books in the series deal with diversity, death, separation and divorce.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 3 to 5
- Grade:
- p to k
- Reading age:
- 3 to 5
Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"A child psychologist offers simple answers to a perennial question...This title in the Just Enough series for the very young is best as a conversation starter."
— Kirkus Reviews
"This no-nonsense guide is here to save the day with straightforward, age-appropriate information on the basics of conception and pregnancy. The author, a child psychologist, effectively uses a question-and-answer format to anticipate queries, and she responds in brief but thorough explanations. Technical vocabulary (womb, umbilical cord) is defined in context, and cheerful, expressive illustrations align closely with the text, reinforcing concepts. A last page addendum addresses very specific topics, such as in vitro fertilization, Cesarean sections, and same-sex unions. Some baby-themed selections concentrate on fears and feelings; this factual presentation, with its positive, accessible information, should be just as reassuring to expectant siblings."
— Booklist
"Offers young children just the right amount of information for their age level...the question and answer format reflects the questions children usually have about reproduction. The contemporary, colourful illustrations complement the text, showing couples embracing (while wearing pyjamas!) and people of different races. The illustrations also show humour...An adult would be well-served to read directly from the text to a child to make them understand what appears to be a mysterious process...A welcome, useful and soon well-worn addition to a home or school collection. Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine
"Using honesty, plain language, and proper terminology, Roberts covers the basics, but also includes answers to a few common follow-up questions for kids who are curious or ready for more information. Cindy Revell’s bright illustrations highlight diversity and provide visual clarity that enhances the text. This is a great starting point for parents and caregivers who might need a bit of help knowing how much to tell little ones."
— Quill & Quire
"A simple and relatively straightforward tool to begin discussions with primary aged children in regard to how a baby is created...Illustrations are bright, gentle, and engaging. They serve very well to help explain the concepts in the book in a more relatable way...Recommended as a beginning resource for children who are ready for more specific information about babies and childbirth."
— Resource Links
"This picture book tackles the basics of reproduction. The text is presented in a question-and-answer format that will satisfy young children’s curiosity and that could provide a framework or a script for caregivers to work from. The art is colorful, gentle, and detailed...Revell includes characters of various ethnicities and represents different kinds of families. There is a single page in the back addressing other questions that kids may have; these take on same-sex families, adopted babies, and specifics about conception...A fine, age-appropriate option for exploring reproduction and pregnancy."
— School Library Journal
