disappointingly inconsistent | The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) |...

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls | The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) | Valorie Schaefer

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	• The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) Valorie Schaefer American Girl Publishing Inc, 1998 - 104 pages average customer review:based on 359 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Just right for young girls!

I recently gave this book to my 8 year old daughter since we both noticed some developmental changes in her body. I wanted her to know what was happening to her and why, and was concerned that I would not hit the right level of information if I talked to her on my own. She loved reading the book from cover to cover, and it was amazing how willing she was to talk to me about what she read. I loved that as soon as she finished the book she announced we need to eat more leafy greens and she's taken the responsibility of adding more vegetables and nuts to her diet, wants to bathe more regularly, wash her face every night, etc. I wish this book was available when I was going through puberty, since my mom didn't know how to talk to me about anything! I also appreciate that there was no discussion about sex or boys, and the more uncomfortable topics like eating disorders and menstrual cycles were not given any more importance than smelly armpits and pimples. I've never been disappointed by an American Girl book - they've earned my trust.

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disappointingly inconsistent

Inconsistent because a lot of the information is so basic, it seems appropriate for a young girl - like brushing your teeth. However, it quickly jumps to older material about eating disorders and tampon insertion. I felt much of it was too simplistic for my 10 year old but then some of it was beyond what she needed or was ready for. The information about menstruation was limited but the two-page graphic spread on tampon insertion was unnecessary and potentially frightening. Not a bad book at all, but if I had only one book to give to my child, it would not be this one. I bought my copy for a quarter from a used book sale. Borrowing this book from the library would be a good option, in my opinion.

I much prefer Growing Up: It's a Girl Thing by Mavis Jukes. I think the presentation of information makes more sense from a girl's changing body to a bit of fairly oblique discussion of sexual reproduction. I also like that instead of delving into an issue like eating disorders (which the Am Girl book does) Growing Up has a chapter on body integrity and trusting your feelings and instincts as a way to protect yourself from sexual abuse (though they never use that term).

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The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls

This is a "must-have" book for all mothers of growing girls! My daughter uses it as a ready reference guide and then comes to me with follow-up questions. I gave it to her as a Christmas gift and we went through the book together during the holiday break from school. Since then she reads it independently and then asks me questions, which I use as a launch pad for a broader discussion about her body, boys, sex and our family values. It is a great companion, but not a replacement for, an open, honest and ongoing dialogue with your daughter!

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Good book for girls

Not quite what I was expecting, but pleased none the less. I like the size -easy to hold, with larger print and pictures. I like the questions/answer style on certain topics. I now want to get the book on feelings.

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Perfect for the first mother-daughter "body talk"

This book is wonderful because it covers so many topics. Because boobs and menstruation are a part of the book along with the skin, hair, and nails advice, it seemed to make it not so much of a BIG DEAL for my daughter. We began reading the book together one night, then while I was at work the next day she read ahead. She met me at the door that night with some questions about the section on periods. So we had some quiet time together while I tied my personal experiences to the advice and information in the book, and she is now apparently comfortable with what's going to happen to her body someday. The book provides such a comfortable bridge and conversation-starter. Can't say enough good things about it. Love it.

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This bestselling guide answers all the questions growing girls have about their bodies - from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bra buying, pimples to periods. It offers guidance about basic hygiene and health without addressing issues of sexuality. Over 1 million copies sold!