Book Review: 'Birds and Bees by the Book' by Patricia Weerakoon

by Jenny Glazebrook

God knows exactly what we need, and 'Birds and the Bees by the Book' were written, in the words of Mordecai to Esther, ‘for such a time as this.’

The set includes 6 books, each 32 pages long and each in a colour of the rainbow (my 7 year old loved putting them in rainbow order). Titles are: Me and My Family, Me and My Body, Me and My Brain, Learning about Sex, Learning about Gender, Learning about Pornography. They are published by Growing Faith, an imprint of Anglican Youthworks and there is an online parents' resource available.

Respectful and gentle, with age appropriate language, they bring clarity to a subject that has become so muddied in recent times. How do we explain God’s best plan to our children when so many loud voices are cheapening our lives, our worth, our sexuality?

Clearly written, with engaging pictures, these books are perfect for 7 to 10 year olds (possibly even older children) who need to understand more about their bodies, the beautiful way God has made each of us for a purpose, and what is appropriate and pleasing to him.

Each book clearly explains God’s view on sex, love, family, His love for people and their differences, our worth in His eyes, how to protect the parts of our bodies made for a special purpose, what touch is appropriate in different situations, how to avoid temptation and use self-control, and how to think on all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy.

The author does not shy away from the fact that not all family structures, gender ideas and sexual orientation are the way God originally intended, but does this in a non-judgemental way, encouraging Jesus’ love to be shown to everyone. She shows how loving God is and how he made sex as a special privilege to enjoy at the right time as a married adult, committed to one person for life.

She allows children to be children, explaining the difference between friendships and sexual attraction, allowing children to feel free to express friendship love without the pressure of bringing adult sexual concepts and expression into it until they are old enough and in the right situation.

Author, Patricia Weerakoon

I notice from the first page that the author, Patricia Weerakoon, is an academic sexologist and Christian writer and speaker. In producing these books she has consulted with child psychologist, Alyson Officer and popular childrens’ author, Penny Reeve. Along with these people, she has worked with illustrator, Lisa Flanagan who produced beautiful, engaging illustrations. It is no wonder these books are the quality they are.

I was very impressed with these books and so relieved to find something which expresses the truth in such an appropriate, gentle, clear manner. I thank God for providing these books for such at time as this!