Talk About Touch
The Vision
“If anyone tries to touch your private parts, tell them no.”
This narrative gently introduces complex topics of bodily autonomy and consent through relatable family interactions. It provides children with clear, actionable scripts for asserting boundaries in unsafe situations.
Therapeutic Guide
Core Utility: Establishes a foundational vocabulary and clear action plan for recognizing and responding to inappropriate touching.
Conversation Starters:
- What would you say if someone tried to trick you into keeping a secret about touching?
- Dad taught Eric that even if someone is bigger, he can still say 'No!'—when is it important for you to use your strong voice?
- What does a 'warning feeling' in your tummy feel like, and what should you do when you feel it?
About the Creators
About the Author
Sandra Kleven is a poet, writer, filmmaker, and editor of the literary journal, Cirque. She co-facilitates, Poetry Parley, a monthly reading event. Kleven brought the arts and the creative process into her work in social services, beginning in the 1980s when she developed a theatrical presentation, and recruited a troupe of actors to bring it to the community. This group, the SOAPBOX Players, served Northwest Washington with a presentation titled, 'The Touching Problem.'
Visual Style
Mood: Cozy, Alaskan, Grounded
Reviews & Awards
Editorial Praise
- “Talk About Touch is a ground-breaking children's book that provides families and educators with an honest discussion about sexual abuse. —Vivian Faith Prescott, M.F.A., Ph.D.”
- “The materials Sandra Kleven has developed since the early 1980s have made important contributions to the prevention of child sexual abuse through the education of children themselves... Talk About Touch offers parents avenues to talk to their children. —Gene Peltola, President and CEO Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation”
- “As a gynecologist, I am acutely aware of the life-long impacts of sexual abuse... Talk About Touch is a wonderful tool to help us have conversations with our children. —Stephanie Eklund, MD, OB/Gyn, Southcentral Foundation”
From Our Verified Readers
- “As described. Very good book. Easy to understand.”
- “I love this book. I bought it for my adult daughter and son-in-law to use with my grandkids. The story and pictures are engaging, the language is clear, and the adults in the story model comforting ways to talk with boys and girls about what to do if they are exposed to sexually abusive situations.”
- “The illustrations in Talk About Touch complement the story perfectly. They show Alaska native people in a realistic and endearing way. It's hard to talk about child sexual abuse. Talk About Touch provides a vehicle to start that conversation.”
- “As a educator for the Child Advocacy Center, we often use books/resources for child abuse prevention and outreach. This book is a wonderful resource and I highly recommend this book.”
- “I have this book in my office and both kids and adults alike grab it and read it. A great book to open up the topic of inappropriate touch that relates to Alaska native life and culture, a must for everyone working with young kids.”
- “As a School Social Worker I have found this book to be an excellent resource for working with children and families. The simple and straightforward text can be used with any age group.”
The Vision
“If anyone tries to touch your private parts, tell them no.”
This narrative gently introduces complex topics of bodily autonomy and consent through relatable family interactions. It provides children with clear, actionable scripts for asserting boundaries in unsafe situations.
Therapeutic Guide
Core Utility: Establishes a foundational vocabulary and clear action plan for recognizing and responding to inappropriate touching.
Conversation Starters:
- What would you say if someone tried to trick you into keeping a secret about touching?
- Dad taught Eric that even if someone is bigger, he can still say 'No!'—when is it important for you to use your strong voice?
- What does a 'warning feeling' in your tummy feel like, and what should you do when you feel it?
About the Creators
About the Author
Sandra Kleven is a poet, writer, filmmaker, and editor of the literary journal, Cirque. She co-facilitates, Poetry Parley, a monthly reading event. Kleven brought the arts and the creative process into her work in social services, beginning in the 1980s when she developed a theatrical presentation, and recruited a troupe of actors to bring it to the community. This group, the SOAPBOX Players, served Northwest Washington with a presentation titled, 'The Touching Problem.'
Visual Style
Mood: Cozy, Alaskan, Grounded
Reviews & Awards
Editorial Praise
- “Talk About Touch is a ground-breaking children's book that provides families and educators with an honest discussion about sexual abuse. —Vivian Faith Prescott, M.F.A., Ph.D.”
- “The materials Sandra Kleven has developed since the early 1980s have made important contributions to the prevention of child sexual abuse through the education of children themselves... Talk About Touch offers parents avenues to talk to their children. —Gene Peltola, President and CEO Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation”
- “As a gynecologist, I am acutely aware of the life-long impacts of sexual abuse... Talk About Touch is a wonderful tool to help us have conversations with our children. —Stephanie Eklund, MD, OB/Gyn, Southcentral Foundation”
From Our Verified Readers
- “As described. Very good book. Easy to understand.”
- “I love this book. I bought it for my adult daughter and son-in-law to use with my grandkids. The story and pictures are engaging, the language is clear, and the adults in the story model comforting ways to talk with boys and girls about what to do if they are exposed to sexually abusive situations.”
- “The illustrations in Talk About Touch complement the story perfectly. They show Alaska native people in a realistic and endearing way. It's hard to talk about child sexual abuse. Talk About Touch provides a vehicle to start that conversation.”
- “As a educator for the Child Advocacy Center, we often use books/resources for child abuse prevention and outreach. This book is a wonderful resource and I highly recommend this book.”
- “I have this book in my office and both kids and adults alike grab it and read it. A great book to open up the topic of inappropriate touch that relates to Alaska native life and culture, a must for everyone working with young kids.”
- “As a School Social Worker I have found this book to be an excellent resource for working with children and families. The simple and straightforward text can be used with any age group.”