This book is jammed packed with need-to-know information, messages of respect and positive vibes to help tweens face puberty with confidence. With the help of comics, real-life stories and inspiring quotes, guys will learn about body parts and how they will change, get tips on how to care for their body and emotions (including their brain) and develop a mindset for enjoying life now and into the future. It’s fun, engaging and purpose built for young minds aged 8 – 12. TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: Talking to Adults Who is a trusted adult – Choosing trusted adults – Feelings about puberty SECTION 2: Puberty Basics What is puberty? – When will it start? – What should I expect? – Stages of Puberty SECTION 3: Hello Private Parts! The inside bits – The outside bits – More about Penis, Testicles and Sperm SECTION 4: Body Changes What changes will happen – Growth spurts – Pubic hair – Even more hair – Erections – Ejaculating – Body shape – New Feelings – Voice deepens SECTION 6: About Girls’ Bodies Basic changes girls go through including periods – How to be a good friend to girls SECTION 7: Looking After You How to care for your changing body – Facts about pimples – About sleep, exercise and play -Protecting your body – Tricky questions SECTION 8: Inside Your Brain Brain changes – What this means for you – How parents can help – New friends and ideas – Liking someone – Bad hair days SECTION 9: The Future More conversations – Becoming an adult you – Puberty to-do list Your Puberty Vocabulary Guide SOME OF my favourite pages To help you get a feel for the tone of the book I have chosen the first few lines of some of my favourite pages. Page 7. Meet the Characters I’d like to introduce you to the characters that Steph, the AMAZING illustrator of this book, and created for you. Keep reading to meet the one and only Adam (who is a super-friendly, super talkative kid your age), his dog called Rocket (who can beat Adam in a running race), Mr Puberty Watch (an imaginary but helpful invention) and a bunch more. I hope they all bring a smile to your face, help you learn, and (most importantly) make talking to trusted adults a lot easier. Page 16. Talking to the Right People About Puberty Talking to the right people about puberty and your body is really, really important. You don’t want to talk to just ANYONE about personal stuff. Imagine going up to a random person and saying, ‘Hey dude, what is puberty all about?’ That’s not a conversation for strangers or people who aren’t SUPER trustworthy. Page 68. Scrotum and Testicles Your Scrotum has two Testicles inside of it. You might refer to your Testicles as your ‘balls’ or ‘nuts’ because, well … they do look and feel like balls or nuts! Most men’s Testicles are about the same size, though it’s common for one to be slightly bigger than the other. It’s also common for one Testicle to hang lower than the other. Testicles should feel smooth, without any lumps or bumps, and firm but not hard. Page 104. Grooming Products Men’s grooming products (that’s the stuff men use to take care of their facial hair) are actually available in a lot of places — both at the supermarket and specialty stores. As you get more hair, you will have lots of options to choose from — scented shaving creams and gels and soaps, brushes to apply them, disposable razor blades, electric razors. It’s pretty cool stuff! And if you have a beard, you can take care of it by using oils, balms, beard brushes, combs and trimmers. Page 202. Brain Changes They call this process brain pruning. Imagine it being like pruning a bush, but it’s your brain! The big question: How does your brain know what to prune and what not to? Pruning withers away the neurons which you don’t use. It doesn’t get rid of anything important — just unnecessary stuff which is cluttering or slowing things down in there. It wants to work as effectively as possible. It also strengthens the neurons which you do use. Your brain will keep pruning until you are about twenty- four years old. After it has finished, your brain will be built around the things you like to do and are good at. PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK Amazing illustration and gorgeous, accessible fun language. This book is a fantastic way to educate young people on the changes taking place in their incredible bodies. It is up to date, factual, and most importantly engaging for even the most trepidatious pre-teens. It will help young people to understand, embrace and take care of their beautiful bodies setting them up with self-esteem and body confidence into adulthood. A must have on the shelf for parents of young people finding their feet.Dr Peta Wright (Gynaecologist and fertility specialist) I can’t thank you enough Michelle. This is more than a book about biology. This is what every boy needs to grow into a respectful man. My son and I have read and re-read it together, and it’s started so many conversations we wouldn’t have otherwise had.Lisa MThere is so many books around for girls, and this is the first book I have seen that really gives boys the information they need. He lovedthe comics, laughed the whole way through and had lots of questions – especially about girls!Helen HSo glad we ordered this book! My 12 year old is currently reading it and we are having such great, open discussions. He has ASD and the idea of puberty/body changes etc has always made him very anxious, but he is really enjoying the book and taking it all on board. Thank you.Bronny SThese books are great. I purchased one of each and they get a big thumbs up in our household. They have broadened the discussions with our kids. I often recommend them to friends with tweens. Thanks for creating such a great resource.Jenny AMy 10 yr old son and I are reading together. Great explanations and lots of laughter that cuts through the awkwardness.Ali MAs an educator, I have seen many puberty books over the past 28 years. These books are BY FAR the most creative and well researched Ihave ever seen.Sharon Witt – Educator and authorMy 9 yo loves this book. It has become his goto bible because obviously Mum can’t be right unless its in a book and the book is on Facebook! He now showers/washes his hair and cleans his teeth before I ask and, as he is autistic, this is a huge achievement in itself.Tara RThese books are great! I purchased both earlier this year. My son (12) & daughter (10) love them. They give them the confidence not only in themselves but to have educated conversations with us & their friends. One of my sons’ friends mum’s even asked me what the book was because her son wanted a copy after looking at ours!Bec CI received this book last week and gave it a quick read myself. It’s soooo good! Everything is covered in a simple, informative, humorous way. I was very pleasantly surprised by the coverage of menstruation. The book provides boys with some key information and also went on to explain how to assist a young friend who may be caught out by an unexpected period. It promotes kindness and thoughtfulness in what might be the worst day of a young girl’s life.Tara R
