Body Safety: 6 Essential Books to Help Kids Set Boundaries

Introduction to Books About Body Safety and Boundaries

Teaching children about body boundaries, consent, and personal safety is one of the most important—and often most challenging—topics we face as educators and caregivers. Picture books can be a powerful tool for opening these conversations in a safe, age-appropriate, and engaging way. The books in this post were chosen to help children understand their rights, learn to recognize when something feels wrong, and build the language they need to speak up with confidence.

These stories range from gentle introductions to personal space and consent, to more direct guides for recognizing inappropriate touch and seeking help. Each title offers something different—some are better suited for classroom read-alouds, while others are more appropriate for use at home or in therapeutic settings.

⚠️ Note for Educators and Caregivers: The last two books in this post include direct but sensitive references to child sexual abuse, which may not be appropriate for all classroom read-alouds. These titles can be incredibly helpful when used by parents, counselors, or trained educators in one-on-one or small group settings. Teachers may still find it valuable to be aware of these books when supporting families or guiding body safety discussions with parental support.

For some of the books on this website, I have created interactive read-alouds to enrich their use in the classroom. These interactive read-alouds include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that engage students and deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way. If there are specific books for which you would like to see a read-aloud created, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.

To learn more about supporting social-emotional learning and using interactive read-alouds in the classroom, check out these posts:

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Book Recommendations

I Said No! A Kid-to-Kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private - Kim King

Summary: Told from a child’s point of view, I Said No! is a practical and empowering book that helps kids recognize, resist, and report unsafe or inappropriate situations involving their private parts. Inspired by a real-life experience, Zack and his mom team up to teach other children how to respond to unsafe touch through a kid-friendly narrative supported by clear examples, safety planning strategies, and interactive prompts.

Description: This guide goes beyond general body safety lessons to offer detailed, actionable strategies for children ages 5–10. It introduces the concept of “red flag” and “green flag” behaviors, helping children evaluate different interactions—even with familiar people—without promoting fear. With clear language, repetition for reinforcement, and a structure based on what to Think, Say, and Do, this book prepares kids to speak up and get help. Topics like bribes, threats, guilt, and telling trusted adults are all addressed in an accessible and non-threatening way. While not a storybook, this teaching book is an excellent resource for family reading, school counselors, or therapists working with children on personal safety.

Reviews and Considerations: Parents, therapists, and educators consistently describe this as one of the most thorough and effective body safety books available. Many praise its realistic scenarios, child-relatable voice, and empowering tone. While some note it is slightly wordy or long for a single sitting, most find the repetition and discussion breaks helpful for reinforcing key messages. It’s frequently cited as a must-read tool for prevention education, especially before new situations like starting school, sleepovers, or camp.

Where Hands Go - Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs (series)

Summary: Where Hands Go by Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs is a gentle, introductory picture book that opens the door to conversations about body safety and personal boundaries. Through simple, poetic text and vibrant illustrations, the book introduces young children to the concept that their bodies belong to them and that they have the right to say no to unwanted touches. Rather than diving into explicit scenarios, it presents a foundational message about autonomy and consent in a way that is accessible and age-appropriate. Though brief in length, its message lays the groundwork for further discussion and deeper learning.

Description: This book is best suited as a starting point for teaching body safety to preschool and early elementary-age children. While it does not go into detail about unsafe touches, it encourages kids to speak up and trust their instincts when something feels uncomfortable—emphasizing the message that “your body belongs to you.” The rhyming text and child-friendly illustrations make it visually engaging, though some readers have found the language vague or overly simplistic.

Where Hands Go is most effective when used alongside adult guidance, and may be particularly helpful in settings like therapy sessions or early childhood classrooms where a soft introduction to boundaries is needed. Educators and caregivers should note that the book does not directly define private parts or describe specific situations, making it better suited as a conversation starter than a comprehensive teaching tool.

Reviews and Considerations: Readers appreciate the book’s colorful illustrations and affirming tone, often highlighting its usefulness as a way to ease into challenging conversations without overwhelming children. Many families found it especially helpful for toddlers and preschoolers, praising the gentle messaging and inclusive artwork. However, several reviewers noted the text can be vague and brief—leaving key ideas like what constitutes inappropriate touch or what specific actions to take up to the adult’s interpretation. Some also mentioned the lack of father representation or a more detailed follow-up message. Despite its brevity, Where Hands Go is widely seen as a valuable first step in an ongoing dialogue about consent and safety, particularly when supplemented with more detailed resources or follow-up books in the same series.

Teach Your Dragon Body Safety - Steve Herman

Summary: Teach Your Dragon Body Safety by Steve Herman uses a playful dragon character to guide young children through the serious and essential topic of body safety. Told from a child’s perspective, this book addresses appropriate and inappropriate touching in an age-appropriate, empowering way. The familiar format of the “My Dragon Books” series helps children feel comfortable while learning how to set personal boundaries, say no to unwanted contact, and ask for help when needed. Through the lens of teaching a dragon, the book breaks down difficult concepts and helps children build the confidence to advocate for their own safety.

Description: This book is part of a broader series that covers social-emotional learning skills in a relatable way for young children. In this volume, the focus is on body autonomy, recognizing safe versus unsafe touch, and knowing what to do if something feels wrong. It’s especially helpful for parents and educators who want to begin this conversation but aren’t sure how to start. While some caregivers may wish to edit or clarify specific pages (such as those referencing exceptions for doctors), overall the book strikes a strong balance between clarity and gentleness. It’s particularly useful for children in preschool through early elementary grades and can be read repeatedly to reinforce key safety messages. The dragon character makes the content feel non-threatening while still addressing vital skills for navigating real-life situations.

Reviews and Considerations: Many readers consider this one of the most effective and accessible books on body safety for young children. Parents, therapists, and teachers consistently praise its ability to open conversations about a tough topic without creating fear or confusion. The rhyming structure and friendly illustrations help keep children engaged, and the book’s emphasis on empowerment and clear action steps is widely appreciated. Some readers note a desire for more inclusive or gender-neutral illustrations, and a few caregivers chose to adjust certain phrases, particularly the language around medical exceptions. However, most agree that the book covers the core concepts clearly and gently, making it a trusted tool to revisit often. It’s especially appreciated by those who have experienced trauma themselves and are seeking a safe, developmentally appropriate way to teach body safety to their children.

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent & Respect - Jayneen Sanders

Summary:

Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent & Respect by Jayneen Sanders is a thoughtfully written teaching book designed to help children understand personal space, bodily autonomy, and mutual respect. Through everyday scenarios and relatable characters, it introduces the concepts of consent and body boundaries in a developmentally appropriate way, encouraging reflection and conversation. Children learn not only that they have the right to control their own bodies, but also that they must respect the boundaries of others. The interactive structure invites adult guidance and discussion, making it a powerful tool for both prevention and empowerment.

Description:

This book goes beyond a simple story format—it’s a conversation guide for children and adults to unpack complex but essential topics. The scenarios presented are realistic and diverse, giving children context for understanding their own rights and responsibilities. Topics include recognizing verbal and nonverbal cues, identifying trusted adults, and understanding the difference between good and bad secrets. While no sexual content is discussed, the book lays a strong foundation for ongoing conversations about safety, consent, and respect. Some caregivers may choose to skip or reword specific pages (like those about handholding) to align with family expectations, but overall, the book remains a highly praised and widely used resource among educators, therapists, and parents.

Reviews and Considerations:

Reviewers repeatedly describe this book as empowering, practical, and deeply impactful. Many parents have seen immediate changes in how their children assert their boundaries or respond to peer interactions, with some even crediting the book for helping their children speak up in difficult situations. Teachers appreciate the embedded discussion questions and the inclusion of diverse family structures and identities. The length and content may require reading in short sections for younger kids, but most adults see this as a strength, encouraging multiple conversations rather than a one-time read. A few readers note that it’s best used as an interactive teaching tool rather than an independent read, particularly for very young or neurodiverse children. Overall, it’s widely considered a must-have resource for anyone teaching children about body autonomy and mutual respect.

Books with Sensitive Content for Guided Use

⚠️ The next two books take a more direct approach to the topic of body safety. While they are not graphic, they do include direct but sensitive references to private parts and child sexual abuse. These titles are best used with intention—either in a therapeutic setting or with strong parental involvement. They can be incredibly powerful tools when children are ready for more detailed conversations or when deeper guidance is needed.

My Body Belongs to Me - Jill Starishevsky

Summary: My Body Belongs to Me is a gentle yet direct picture book that introduces young children to the idea of body autonomy and the importance of speaking up if someone makes them uncomfortable. Told in rhyme and paired with simple, friendly illustrations, the story explains that private parts are private and that children should always tell a trusted adult if someone touches them inappropriately. It empowers children with the clear, memorable message: “This is my body! And it belongs to me!”

Description: Written by a child abuse prosecutor, this book is designed as a preventative teaching tool—not just for children who have experienced harm, but to help all children understand personal boundaries, body safety, and their right to say no. While the narrative does include a brief, non-graphic scenario of inappropriate touch, it’s presented in a way that focuses on what to do next, reinforcing that it’s never the child’s fault and that telling someone is brave and important. This makes it particularly well-suited for children ages 4–7, with guidance and discussion from an adult.

Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and professionals call this book a must-have for early conversations about consent and safety. Readers appreciate how it normalizes body autonomy in the same way we teach letters or numbers—without fear or shame. Several reviews emphasize the value of the book’s repetition and how it opens the door to ongoing conversations. Some caregivers noted that the story may feel intense for very young children if introduced without context, but most agree it’s a powerful and effective resource when paired with calm, age-appropriate discussion. Educators and counselors also find it helpful for reinforcing the message that secrets about touch should never be kept.

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept - Jayneen Sanders

Summary: This story follows a young boy named Alfred, who finds himself in a difficult situation when a trusted adult crosses a boundary. Told as a medieval-style fable, the story uses gentle language and symbolic storytelling to address the serious topic of inappropriate touch and the importance of speaking up—even when a secret feels scary. With the support of his mother, Alfred learns that no secret should be kept if it makes him feel uncomfortable.

Description: Unlike general body autonomy books, Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept introduces the concept of grooming and abuse prevention directly, though in an age-appropriate story format. It emphasizes that children should never keep secrets that make them feel sad or unsafe and encourages them to tell a trusted adult until they are believed. The story is framed with supportive tools like discussion questions and parent notes to help guide conversations. This book is best used intentionally—either as a proactive discussion tool or as a therapeutic aid for children who may have experienced boundary violations. The content may be too direct for casual classroom read-alouds without prior parental involvement.

Reviews and Considerations: Educators, parents, and therapists frequently praise this book as an empowering resource, especially for children recovering from trauma or beginning body safety education. Many found the medieval fantasy setting a helpful buffer for a difficult subject, allowing children to engage with the lesson without becoming overwhelmed. Some reviewers noted it was too detailed for very young children or those not yet ready for conversations about abuse, but others valued its realism and directness. This is a well-respected and widely recommended book in clinical, school, and home settings, especially when supported with discussion.

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