It’s never too early to have conversations about consent and bodily autonomy with kids. Here are four books that can help you get started.

Welcome to Consent by Yumi Stynes & Dr. Melissa Kang

Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes have written the only guide you need to figuring out the rules of consent. Whether you’re a curious tween, teen or parent, this book is reassuring, interesting and full of the info you need! It uses first-person accounts, advice from experts in adolescent health and sexuality, and an approachable illustrated format to explore situations from seeing a doctor, bodily autonomy, first kisses, values, personal boundaries, speaking up and more.

Welcome to Consent is an inclusive, frank and funny guide to navigating consent for tweens and teens of all genders.

For ages 11 and up.

How to Say Hello by Sophie Beer (released on 2 June 2021)

Don’t feel like hugging today? No worries! We can say hello with a smile, a wave or even a high five! Illustrated in Australian author-illustrator Sophie Beer’s signature colourful style, How to Say Hello is a fun and inclusive board book that supports children in establishing boundaries as they navigate relationships.

For ages 0 and up.

ABC of Body Safety and Consent by Jayneen Sanders

This ‘dip in and dip out’ illustrated book uses the letters of the alphabet and accompanying words to help children to learn age-appropriate body safety and consent skills such as consent, respect, body boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, Early Warning Signs, private parts and the difference between secrets and surprises. The book also includes questions for parents, caregivers and educators to use in building conversations.

Author, Jayneen Sanders, has written extensively on body safety and mental health for kids. You can find her other books here.

For ages 4 and up.

Respect: Consent, Boundaries and Being in Charge of YOU by Rachel Brian

Your body belongs to you and you get to set your own rules, so that you may have boundaries for different people and sometimes they might change. Like when you hi-five your friends and kiss your kitten, but not the other way round! From setting boundaries, to reflecting on your own behaviour and learning how to be an awesome bystander, this book will have you feeling confident, respected, and 100% in charge of yourself and your body.

This funny, informative and inclusive comic-style guide was written by animator Rachel Brian, co-creator of the viral “Tea Consent” and “Consent for Kids” videos.

For ages 4 and up.