My body, my rules by Nicki Esler Gill and Dasha Riley

In rhyming stanzas, the text encourages the reader to think of times when they are touched by someone they know, a family member or close friend. These cuddles, hugs and kisses are reciprocated and wanted and given back. The first few pages talk of the wanted kisses, whizzies, hugs and cuddles. But then the reader is told that some may not be as welcome. In the past they have accepted kisses and cuddles from relatives of friends, but now it is unwanted.

Just as a three legged race will only work if both partners are willing; it will not work if one does not want it to be there. And a kiss and cuddle are just the same, both people must be willing.

Just like a cat which will cuddle, and purr and loves sleeping on someone’s lap, there are times when the cat does not want this. At these times it is obvious that the cat does not want to be touched; it will wriggle and squirm, and jump off the lap, and go away.

With people, it is OK to say no. Tell the person that you don’t like a kiss or hug. But look and listen to them as well.  Just like the cat: people know when the cat wants to be cuddled and touched, but the cat is equally able to let its feelings show, and walk away when a cuddle is offered.

Using a cat and its well known behaviour to tell kids about who is allowed to touch you is a wonderful analogy and most kids will get it. There are times when a kiss and cuddle is great, but other times it may not be. It may be great from the aunt now, but not in the future.

With funny, cute illustrations from Dasha Riley, the story will be read in classrooms where discussions around touching arise, and kids will love reading the tale as a support for their own concerns with who to touch and who not.

Themes: Relationships, Safety, Touching, Family.

Fran Knight