“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.

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 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.

Mood: Warm, Reassuring, Direct

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.”