Book recommendation to help explain body changes/birds & bees etc.?

[Pat]

I've tried searching on other threads for this, but haven't had any success. My dd is 9 and has just started Year 5 and I feel the time is right to have a proper chat about things like periods etc. This has been prompted by me seeing some of the older girls in her class and Y6 who are obviously developing breasts (so I'm expecting questions on this) plus a couple of questions over the summer holidays about sex. I've always aimed to be very open with her so she knows some basics (e.g. Daddy's seed and Mummmy's egg!), but am thinking perhaps the time is right to be more factual. Do you think this is the right age? Also, was looking for a book that I could talk through with her, but then perhaps leave with her to read at leisure. Good idea or not? Was also planning to say that this was between the two of us and she should not necessarily share this info with friends at school in case their mummies hadn't had a chat yet. I'd be grateful for any advice

We have a good book by Miriam Stoppard called 'Questions Children Ask'. It has answers to anything you can think of (some of them a bit daft though) in 4 levels for different ages. It has a section on puberty and periods, but its really aimed more at discussion, rather than her reading it herself. If she reads bits that are too old for her, it might terrify her!!

9 years seems about a good age. However, my dd1 wanted to know everything when she was about 5 and pestered me until she knew everything in complete detail. But dd2, who is also 9, has never asked anything. I did ask her tactfully if she knew anything about periods etc. and if she had any questions. She responded with an 'Oooooh Yuk. Dont want to talk about it!!' so I guess you just have to leave it when they are ready. Hope this helps!!

Thanks for posting that suggestion - I'll check it out on Amazon

Should have given you the ISBN no. which is - 0-7513-0356-9. Hope it helps!

THere is a lovely book called 'mummy laid an egg' but I think its more based at 5yrs - not sure. pics are hilarious

My first introduction to the concept of periods was a Judy Blume fiction book - Are you there God, it's me Margaret - about a group of 11 year old girls who were surprisingly desperate to get their first period! also my mum gave me a facts of life book by Usborne. I think 9 is the right age to start on this - some of dd's friends are likely to have already started/be just about to start their first period.

Usborne do some great books Pat such as 'Growing up', 'Facts of Life' 'You and your body' etc. Do you know anyone who does Usborne book swho could show you a catalogue perhaps? OR if by a huge coincidence you are in the North London/Hertfordshire area I can show you mine.

Thanks again for your ideas and thoughts. I'm now convinced the timing is right but just wanted to be 'armed' with the right back up information! As a result of Muminamillion's suggestion I had a good look on Amazon. After putting in the Miriam Stoppard book, Amazon came back with a load of other recommendations and after lots of umming and aahing I ended up buying something different (sorry!) called "Let's Talk About Sex: Growing Up, Changing Bodies, Sex and Sexual Health" which seemed to have good reviews.

Cuppy, I bought "Mummy laid an egg" when my two were a bit younger and I agree - it is great and as a result of checking this all out on Amazon, I bought Babette Cole's other book "Hair in Funny Places". I'm looking forward to reading that one!

I'll also bear in mind the other suggestions.