All About Vulvas and Vaginas

Gr 1-3–An inviting tone settles the advanced, anatomically correct words of this informative book into an approachable format designed to support younger readers’ growing knowledge about bodies; in this volume of the series, topics ranging from the form of the vulva to the basic functions of the vagina to cleaning care are introduced. This book is not suited for a whole class read-aloud experience due to an imbalance between the younger age group it is intended for and the subject matter introduced; however, this book can support a health and body-related discussion between a parent and child, who may feel more confident to ask questions and express themselves openly about the language and illustrations presented. The bright tone but high vocabulary of the book allows more advanced readers to set the pace in a one-on-one setting and settle younger readers after chuckles at the idea of talking about private body parts by encouraging a fact-based line of thinking about the body, not the person. Feder deftly applies defined lines and basic shapes to create a diverse cast of anatomically female figures and a focus on specific body parts, using generalized forms and colors, as they are named in the text, such as labia and urethra.