The Right Touch
$15.95
The Right Touch reaches beyond the usual scope of a children's picture book. It is a parenting book that introduces a very difficult topic--the sexual abuse of young children. This gentle, thoughtful story can be read aloud to a child by any trusted caregiver. In the story, young Jimmy's mom explains the difference between touches that are positive and touches that are secret, deceptive or forced. She tells him how to resist inappropriate touching, affirming that abuse is not the child's fault.
The Vision
“Your whole body, from head to toe, is private and belongs to you.”
This story provides essential, age-appropriate vocabulary for discussing consent and bodily autonomy. It normalizes the act of setting boundaries, even with trusted adults.
Therapeutic Guide
Core Utility: Teaches children to recognize and trust their 'warning feelings' (gut instincts) as a primary safety mechanism.
Conversation Starters:
- What is a 'touching problem,' and what does your tummy feel like when you have a warning feeling?
- If someone asks you to keep a touch a secret, what is the most important rule you must remember?
- When is it okay for someone else to touch your private parts (like when you have a sore)?
About the Creators
About the Author
Sandra Kleven is a poet, writer, filmmaker, and editor of the literary journal, Cirque. The Right Touch has been a helping resource since 1999 when it received a Benjamin Franklin Award as best parenting book.
Visual Style
Mood: Warm, Reassuring, Direct
Reviews & Awards
Editorial Praise
- “A picture book that clearly instructs children on how to deal with unwanted and inappropriate touching through a heart-to-heart talk between a little boy and his mother. —School Library Journal”
From Our Verified Readers
- “This book is tastefully written, not scary, but led to good discussion about boundaries- with anyone he knows or doesn't know.”
- “i really appreciate the approach of this book--simple yet powerful. the book is very clear about appropriate and inappropriate touch and helps children understand body boundaries in a non-threatening, unembarrassing way.”
- “Excellent on teaching children that their body belongs to them - and no one else. Discusses appropriate & inappropriate touches.”
- “This book is hard for parents to read I think. I find that it is scary and difficult to talk about, however, my 3 and a half year old loves this book.”
- “I have purchased two other books on this topic to read to my 3 year old. Neither of them captured her attention long enough to get to the point of the story... This book, however, is EXCELLENT.”
- “This book is clear, but not scary. It is for boys and girls and is set into a 'bedtime scene' that might be familiar to children.”
- “I've read alot of books on child sexual abuse prevention and this one tops the list.”
- “Child molestation is an uncomfortable topic. But far worse, it is a very real danger... This book strikes the right balance: it is not too technical, not awkward, and most importantly not frightening.”
- “A book any adult can read to a child without embarrassment or making either the reader or the child feel uncomfortable.”
The Right Touch reaches beyond the usual scope of a children's picture book. It is a parenting book that introduces a very difficult topic--the sexual abuse of young children. This gentle, thoughtful story can be read aloud to a child by any trusted caregiver. In the story, young Jimmy's mom explains the difference between touches that are positive and touches that are secret, deceptive or forced. She tells him how to resist inappropriate touching, affirming that abuse is not the child's fault.
The Vision
“Your whole body, from head to toe, is private and belongs to you.”
This story provides essential, age-appropriate vocabulary for discussing consent and bodily autonomy. It normalizes the act of setting boundaries, even with trusted adults.
Therapeutic Guide
Core Utility: Teaches children to recognize and trust their 'warning feelings' (gut instincts) as a primary safety mechanism.
Conversation Starters:
- What is a 'touching problem,' and what does your tummy feel like when you have a warning feeling?
- If someone asks you to keep a touch a secret, what is the most important rule you must remember?
- When is it okay for someone else to touch your private parts (like when you have a sore)?
About the Creators
About the Author
Sandra Kleven is a poet, writer, filmmaker, and editor of the literary journal, Cirque. The Right Touch has been a helping resource since 1999 when it received a Benjamin Franklin Award as best parenting book.
Visual Style
Mood: Warm, Reassuring, Direct
Reviews & Awards
Editorial Praise
- “A picture book that clearly instructs children on how to deal with unwanted and inappropriate touching through a heart-to-heart talk between a little boy and his mother. —School Library Journal”
From Our Verified Readers
- “This book is tastefully written, not scary, but led to good discussion about boundaries- with anyone he knows or doesn't know.”
- “i really appreciate the approach of this book--simple yet powerful. the book is very clear about appropriate and inappropriate touch and helps children understand body boundaries in a non-threatening, unembarrassing way.”
- “Excellent on teaching children that their body belongs to them - and no one else. Discusses appropriate & inappropriate touches.”
- “This book is hard for parents to read I think. I find that it is scary and difficult to talk about, however, my 3 and a half year old loves this book.”
- “I have purchased two other books on this topic to read to my 3 year old. Neither of them captured her attention long enough to get to the point of the story... This book, however, is EXCELLENT.”
- “This book is clear, but not scary. It is for boys and girls and is set into a 'bedtime scene' that might be familiar to children.”
- “I've read alot of books on child sexual abuse prevention and this one tops the list.”
- “Child molestation is an uncomfortable topic. But far worse, it is a very real danger... This book strikes the right balance: it is not too technical, not awkward, and most importantly not frightening.”
- “A book any adult can read to a child without embarrassment or making either the reader or the child feel uncomfortable.”