Cory Silverberg

After witnessing my aunt give birth to her second baby yesterday, I decided the perfect way to end my science book collection was by adding a book about one of the most important science categories: humans! Although this may be controversial to some schools and parents, I think that it is never too early to start introducing children to their own bodies and the way they work (as long as it is introduced in an appropriate way). In "What Makes a Baby", the facts were very accurate and honest. show more The author avoids any stereotyping or sugarcoating, and tells the technical truth about our bodies and what happens when they reproduce. This may be a better book to read with a parent instead of a teacher, but I thought that it was worth adding to my collection. We should not be afraid of our bodies and the processes that go on in them! It is amazing, and it is life. show less

"You Know, Sex" by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth is an excellent source of information for sex education, puberty, and a wide range of related topics. This book is appropriate for anyone at the age of puberty or above.

Done in a graphic novel style, the book presents its topics in detail, but without the titillation that might result with other forms of presentation. The content is very thorough, informative, and accurate. Its chapters include the following: What is Sex?, Bodies, Gender, show more Puberty, Feelings, Consent, Talking, Relationships, Reproduction, Touching, and Safety.

The authors approach the topics with a very matter-of-fact style, avoiding condemnation of any particular form of sex. I liked that the authors repeatedly stress that any form of sex between two people -- whether that's just a mere touch or anything more -- is appropriate only when both parties consent, and they stress that agreement under coercion is not consent. show less

Silverberg and Smyth offer an excellent answer to the perennial childhood question “Where do babies come from?” The book speaks very generally about conception on the level of cells and gives a quick overview of the process of fetal growth and the birth of a baby. Its general outlook and careful language make for a gender-neutral story applicable to a variety of families (it approaches conception scientifically, speaking of sperm and egg rather than man and woman). The expressive show more illustrations make good use of a psychedelic color palette, while still retaining accuracy in their depiction of scientific concepts. The text explains these concepts in a way that is both cute and developmentally appropriate (such as describing the DNA contained within reproductive cells as “stories” about the body they came from). Questions like “Who was waiting for you to be born?” allow for pauses for discussion and conversation during the read-aloud, so the adult reader can frame the book within a particular family dynamic (the author’s note even has a link to a downloadable reading guide for adults looking to have these conversations with children). Combining both biology and emotions, What Makes a Baby does a commendable job of making this standard topic both approachable and inclusive.
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"What Makes a Baby" follows from the egg and sperm in separate bodies until the birth of a baby. The book leaves space for parents to explain (or not) intercourse, surrogacy, donations, adoptions, and other arrangements of conception. Open ended questions let families insert their own stories into the biological story. Meant for young children to read alongside an adult, it's a great introduction to the diversity of family structures and circumstances of birth.
-KW