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Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU
With clear explanations, fun illustrations, and expertly presented information, Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering introduction to consent, bodily autonomy, and how to respect yourself and others.
Consent is like being ruler of your own country...population: YOU.
This is a smart, playful guide to consent and bodily autonomy, packed with bright and energetic illustrations. Readers will learn about boundaries and how to set them; ways to respect themselves and others; what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe; and much more. Along the way, they'll be encouraged to reflect on (and improve!) their own behavior and to practice consent in their daily lives.
Whether you're looking for a consent primer to share with a friend or searching for a way to talk to your child about what it means to be in control of their own body and respect others', look no further! This humorous and insightful book from the co-creator of the viral "Tea Consent" video is the perfect teaching tool, conversation starter, and insightful, empowering resource for educators, kids, and families everywhere.
Consent is like being ruler of your own country...population: YOU.
This is a smart, playful guide to consent and bodily autonomy, packed with bright and energetic illustrations. Readers will learn about boundaries and how to set them; ways to respect themselves and others; what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe; and much more. Along the way, they'll be encouraged to reflect on (and improve!) their own behavior and to practice consent in their daily lives.
Whether you're looking for a consent primer to share with a friend or searching for a way to talk to your child about what it means to be in control of their own body and respect others', look no further! This humorous and insightful book from the co-creator of the viral "Tea Consent" video is the perfect teaching tool, conversation starter, and insightful, empowering resource for educators, kids, and families everywhere.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
30 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
October 23, 2025
Written by Rachel Brian, co-creator of the ingenious YouTube video “Tea Consent”, this absolutely vital book couldn’t explain consent any clearer. Consent (for Kids!) is a kind of graphic novel–picture book hybrid, with big, bold wording and simple but cute drawings. As suggested by its title, the audience is kids, but considering how few adults fully understand consent and how many trample on children's boundary-setting, they need to read it too.
Brian covered things such as boundary-setting, grooming, trusting your gut, giving and getting consent, and more. Stress is on the message of “your body is yours” and the idea of “bodily autonomy,” which Brian illustrated with a scenario showing a child offering a high-five as an alternative “when Aunt Gladys says: ‘Come here! I want to pinch & kiss those cheeks!’” This was important to include. A book about consent isn’t complete if it doesn’t specifically address the all-too-common occurrence of children being forced to be physically affectionate with relatives (or others) that they don’t want to be physically affectionate with. In discussions of consent, this aspect often gets dismissed or overlooked. It’s the one that gets an exception because it concerns family or because feelings would get hurt. But society as a whole cannot sincerely expect boundary-setting to come easily in life when it teaches children early and often that their body isn’t their own, that they should “be polite,” that how they feel matters less than how others feel.
Consent (for Kids!) is essentially about not being a people-pleaser. Setting boundaries and saying no can feel uncomfortable or make a situation awkward. Brian’s book is a self-esteem and confidence booster that reassures readers that that is ok. Lessons need to start young and then be reinforced for beneficial, permanent change to take place on the larger level. This book is a step in the right direction.
Brian covered things such as boundary-setting, grooming, trusting your gut, giving and getting consent, and more. Stress is on the message of “your body is yours” and the idea of “bodily autonomy,” which Brian illustrated with a scenario showing a child offering a high-five as an alternative “when Aunt Gladys says: ‘Come here! I want to pinch & kiss those cheeks!’” This was important to include. A book about consent isn’t complete if it doesn’t specifically address the all-too-common occurrence of children being forced to be physically affectionate with relatives (or others) that they don’t want to be physically affectionate with. In discussions of consent, this aspect often gets dismissed or overlooked. It’s the one that gets an exception because it concerns family or because feelings would get hurt. But society as a whole cannot sincerely expect boundary-setting to come easily in life when it teaches children early and often that their body isn’t their own, that they should “be polite,” that how they feel matters less than how others feel.
Consent (for Kids!) is essentially about not being a people-pleaser. Setting boundaries and saying no can feel uncomfortable or make a situation awkward. Brian’s book is a self-esteem and confidence booster that reassures readers that that is ok. Lessons need to start young and then be reinforced for beneficial, permanent change to take place on the larger level. This book is a step in the right direction.
February 27, 2020
This humorously illustrated book explains consent in child-friendly terms, explaining bodily autonomy and choice through primarily nonsexual examples. It focuses on the importance of not forcing, bribing, or arguing someone into an activity that they are not interested in, helping children learn how to stand their own ground and respect other people's boundaries. Some of the examples it gives is that without consent, you can't shove someone into the pool, share embarrassing photos of them, or tickle them. Given that issues like these are very relevant to children's relationships with adults and each other, this approach helps kids understand guidelines for good behavior and grasp the concept of consent before they need to understand it in a sexual sense.
However, even though this book mostly focuses on the general idea of consent, it does specifically address some sexual issues. A side note about embarrassing photos mentions that taking or sending nude photos of anyone under eighteen is a crime, and the author explains near the end of the book that even though some families might not allow you to make your own choices about what you wear or which relatives you hug, if you are being hit or touched inappropriately by a relative, this is an issue that you need help and support to deal with. She makes it very clear that if you are touched inappropriately by any adult whatsoever, you should tell someone, and that the adult is always, exclusively responsible for this. However, she doesn't define what inappropriate touch is, and she doesn't address forced sexual touch between children, so it would take an attuned parent to explain this to their child and make sure that they fully understand the issue.
This book provides a list of resources in the back for children who have been harmed by inappropriate touch, and it also gives repeated emphasis on the importance of talking to trusted adults whenever anyone makes you uncomfortable for any reason or tries to force you to do something that you don't want to do. Overall, this is a good resource, and it is much more child-friendly than I expected, since it is discreet about sexual issues and does not assume a high level of awareness or interest in sexual relationships.
However, I wish that the author had made it clearer that just because you choose to do something with your body does not mean that it is wise or good. Even though this book is a solid resource on the importance of holding to your own and respecting others' boundaries, it gives the message that something is okay as long as you consent to it. This can seem to justify reckless and damaging behaviors just because it's "your body," and it can also confuse children about sexual contact with their peers. This book makes it extremely clear what consent is, and insists that it is okay to change your mind, even when it disappoints people, but it doesn't make it as clear as it should that just because you consent to something does not mean that it is healthy, wise, or good for you. To make sure that this message is clear, parents would need to read this with their children, supplementing the book's message with additional explanations and perspectives on their family's values.
However, even though this book mostly focuses on the general idea of consent, it does specifically address some sexual issues. A side note about embarrassing photos mentions that taking or sending nude photos of anyone under eighteen is a crime, and the author explains near the end of the book that even though some families might not allow you to make your own choices about what you wear or which relatives you hug, if you are being hit or touched inappropriately by a relative, this is an issue that you need help and support to deal with. She makes it very clear that if you are touched inappropriately by any adult whatsoever, you should tell someone, and that the adult is always, exclusively responsible for this. However, she doesn't define what inappropriate touch is, and she doesn't address forced sexual touch between children, so it would take an attuned parent to explain this to their child and make sure that they fully understand the issue.
This book provides a list of resources in the back for children who have been harmed by inappropriate touch, and it also gives repeated emphasis on the importance of talking to trusted adults whenever anyone makes you uncomfortable for any reason or tries to force you to do something that you don't want to do. Overall, this is a good resource, and it is much more child-friendly than I expected, since it is discreet about sexual issues and does not assume a high level of awareness or interest in sexual relationships.
However, I wish that the author had made it clearer that just because you choose to do something with your body does not mean that it is wise or good. Even though this book is a solid resource on the importance of holding to your own and respecting others' boundaries, it gives the message that something is okay as long as you consent to it. This can seem to justify reckless and damaging behaviors just because it's "your body," and it can also confuse children about sexual contact with their peers. This book makes it extremely clear what consent is, and insists that it is okay to change your mind, even when it disappoints people, but it doesn't make it as clear as it should that just because you consent to something does not mean that it is healthy, wise, or good for you. To make sure that this message is clear, parents would need to read this with their children, supplementing the book's message with additional explanations and perspectives on their family's values.
February 11, 2020
5000 stars, I wish I had this book when I was a kid. I remember one of my close family members telling other people “Sure, Tom loves hugs! Tom go hug X person!” And I’d be like, “um.”
I remember my aunt telling my once that she wouldn’t give me a Christmas gift unless I gave another family member a hug and a kiss. I was SO uncomfortable and it made me hate the gift I thought I wanted and I don’t know if I ever used it once.
If the adults in my life had read this book, these moments would not be stuck so clearly in my mind now. And I was a lucky kid, because this was the worst that happened to me. I struggle to think how much damage has been caused by adults who didn’t understand consent like this book so clearly explains it, and kids like me and probably you who didn’t understand it because no one taught me in the way that this book does.
Read it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I remember my aunt telling my once that she wouldn’t give me a Christmas gift unless I gave another family member a hug and a kiss. I was SO uncomfortable and it made me hate the gift I thought I wanted and I don’t know if I ever used it once.
If the adults in my life had read this book, these moments would not be stuck so clearly in my mind now. And I was a lucky kid, because this was the worst that happened to me. I struggle to think how much damage has been caused by adults who didn’t understand consent like this book so clearly explains it, and kids like me and probably you who didn’t understand it because no one taught me in the way that this book does.
Read it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 19, 2020
EVERYONE should read this beautiful, simple break down of consent. I have been trying to speak about body autonomy for kids for so long and I feel like this book does such a good job of breaking it down for kids to understand and really showcases why parents/adults should rethink what they require of kids. If a kid says no to hugs you should NEVER demand or force a kid to give one. Understanding consent is not a quick conversation you have with teens, it's an ongoing conversation to reaffirm that everyone's body is their own and NOTHING should be done without consent.
December 2, 2019
An excellent resource for teachers and caregivers alike.
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April 4, 2020This is a must-buy for library collections and I think I'm going to buy copies for all of my nieces. In clear, kid-friendly language and with humorous comic illustrations, this book spells out all aspects of consent. I want every kid in my life to read this book!
March 9, 2021
¡Hola! El día de hoy traigo una recomendación muy especial para los más pequeños en casa que les mostrara lo importante que es expresar sus decisiones.
“EL Consentimiento” es un libro que de manera un poco humorística y fácil de entender les explicara a los niños mediante ilustraciones el cómo y cuándo pueden decir “sí” o “no” a situaciones cotidianas en las que se pueden ver envueltos.
Desde pequeños debemos enseñarles que tienen el poder de tomar decisiones y que su cuerpo es solo de ellos. El libro muestra de una manera clara lo importante de que nadie te puede forzar hacer algo con lo que no te sientas cómodo, a defender sus opiniones, así como respetar los límites de otros.
El libro toca diferentes temas como: ¿Qué es el consentimiento?, como poner límites, como apoyar a tus amigos, el poder cambiar de opinión, que situaciones pueden hacerlos sentir incomodos y como contestar a ellas.
Enfocándome en el tema de los limites les enseña como pueden ser diferentes para cada persona con la que tratan, por dar un ejemplo ¿Quién no tuvo una abuela que le gustara pellizcarnos las mejillas? Pues este libro les muestra como de manera educada decir “No” a esa situación y dando límites para expresar que saludo los hace sentir cómodos. También les enseña que no deben ser chantajeados a decir “Si” por miedo a ser lastimados, como puede tratar la situación y a quien podrían acudir en busca de ayuda. Otro dato a mencionar es que deja muy claro que si alguien traspasa los límites de su consentimiento no es culpa de ellos, lo es de la persona que no respeto su decisión, otro detalle que me ha gustado es que explica lo importante de las relaciones sanas y de qué manera los debe hacer sentir para reconocerlas, por ejemplo: que haya respetó mutuo, les brinden confianza y los hagan sentir seguros, una amistad que te haga sentir tristeza, angustia o miedo por nombrar algunos ejemplos no es sana.
Sin duda es un libro que ayuda mucho a explicarle a los niños el poder de su voz. Como complemento al final el libro incluye una lista de números telefónicos de diferentes países donde los niños pueden solicitar ayuda en caso de sufrir cualquier tipo de maltrato.
https://lilianaentrelibros.blogspot.c...
“EL Consentimiento” es un libro que de manera un poco humorística y fácil de entender les explicara a los niños mediante ilustraciones el cómo y cuándo pueden decir “sí” o “no” a situaciones cotidianas en las que se pueden ver envueltos.
Desde pequeños debemos enseñarles que tienen el poder de tomar decisiones y que su cuerpo es solo de ellos. El libro muestra de una manera clara lo importante de que nadie te puede forzar hacer algo con lo que no te sientas cómodo, a defender sus opiniones, así como respetar los límites de otros.
El libro toca diferentes temas como: ¿Qué es el consentimiento?, como poner límites, como apoyar a tus amigos, el poder cambiar de opinión, que situaciones pueden hacerlos sentir incomodos y como contestar a ellas.
Enfocándome en el tema de los limites les enseña como pueden ser diferentes para cada persona con la que tratan, por dar un ejemplo ¿Quién no tuvo una abuela que le gustara pellizcarnos las mejillas? Pues este libro les muestra como de manera educada decir “No” a esa situación y dando límites para expresar que saludo los hace sentir cómodos. También les enseña que no deben ser chantajeados a decir “Si” por miedo a ser lastimados, como puede tratar la situación y a quien podrían acudir en busca de ayuda. Otro dato a mencionar es que deja muy claro que si alguien traspasa los límites de su consentimiento no es culpa de ellos, lo es de la persona que no respeto su decisión, otro detalle que me ha gustado es que explica lo importante de las relaciones sanas y de qué manera los debe hacer sentir para reconocerlas, por ejemplo: que haya respetó mutuo, les brinden confianza y los hagan sentir seguros, una amistad que te haga sentir tristeza, angustia o miedo por nombrar algunos ejemplos no es sana.
Sin duda es un libro que ayuda mucho a explicarle a los niños el poder de su voz. Como complemento al final el libro incluye una lista de números telefónicos de diferentes países donde los niños pueden solicitar ayuda en caso de sufrir cualquier tipo de maltrato.
https://lilianaentrelibros.blogspot.c...
April 21, 2020
An important concept is communicated well with humor and clear examples that should keep young readers engaged.
October 7, 2022
3.
Un libro entretenido. En él se trata el consentimiento desde una perspectiva infantil (énfasis en el “para niños”), el respeto, la importancia de poner límites, etc. Es cuco, con sus dibujos y su estilo desenfadado, y bastante explicativo. Un libro necesario para los más peques.
Un libro entretenido. En él se trata el consentimiento desde una perspectiva infantil (énfasis en el “para niños”), el respeto, la importancia de poner límites, etc. Es cuco, con sus dibujos y su estilo desenfadado, y bastante explicativo. Un libro necesario para los más peques.
December 5, 2023
An excellent discussion of consent.
January 23, 2020
Kids of all ages and ADULTS of all ages should be required to read this book. Covers all things consent in an age-appropriate way for kids, but simple enough for anyone of any age to understand.
March 10, 2022
First finished book of the year and I LOVED IT! I want every family to own a copy and read it regularly.
January 22, 2021
A great book for parents to share with their children!
October 20, 2020
Oh hello, book I've been waiting for my whole life.
October 2, 2020
My library has been getting a lot more books on consent lately, and I am beyond happy about it. This book clearly discusses consent in an engaging way that is appealing to readers of many ages. The book isn't graphic and uses youth-safe examples to illustrate concepts (like how clothing is not consent--wearing a bathing suit doesn't mean you consent to being pushed into the pool). SUCH a good read. Highly recommended.
For: readers looking for a book on consent or a book to help the conversation.
Possible red flags: hurt, anger, and inappropriate actions (though nothing graphic shown).
For: readers looking for a book on consent or a book to help the conversation.
Possible red flags: hurt, anger, and inappropriate actions (though nothing graphic shown).
July 16, 2020
This was very informative and quite fun. It didn't feel didactic or cringey with 'i'm a cool grownup' speak. My only small tiny critique is that it says at the end that their are things kids cannot consent to and I wish it would have explained what those things are or at least quickly listed them or provided a resource to explain them. But on the whole a great resource for kids and parents alike to talk about and understand consent.
June 1, 2025
Πόσες αποτρόπαιες πράξεις θα μπορούσαν να έχουν αποφευχθεί, αν διδάσκαμε στα παιδιά, από νωρίς, τι είναι η αληθινή συναίνεση;
Το «όχι» σημαίνει «όχι» και δεν χρειάζεται καμία περαιτέρω εξήγηση.
Η συγγραφέας, με ευαισθησία και σαφήνεια, μας υπενθυμίζει τη σημασία του να μαθαίνουμε στα παιδιά πως δεν οφείλουν να απολογούνται για τα όριά τους, ούτε για την ανάγκη τους να αρνηθούν.
Ένα εξαιρετικό βιβλίο και για ενήλικες που έχουν «ξεχάσει» τι είναι τα όρια, ο σεβασμός και η συναίνεση!
Το «όχι» σημαίνει «όχι» και δεν χρειάζεται καμία περαιτέρω εξήγηση.
Η συγγραφέας, με ευαισθησία και σαφήνεια, μας υπενθυμίζει τη σημασία του να μαθαίνουμε στα παιδιά πως δεν οφείλουν να απολογούνται για τα όριά τους, ούτε για την ανάγκη τους να αρνηθούν.
Ένα εξαιρετικό βιβλίο και για ενήλικες που έχουν «ξεχάσει» τι είναι τα όρια, ο σεβασμός και η συναίνεση!
May 7, 2021
A book that really should be read with a parent (or trusted guardian) to discuss the material within. Age range 5+ for most subjects depending on what your child has been exposed to. Consent is a very heavy concept for kids. And lately seems to be taken out of context.
Be sure to really dissect this with your child.
Great imagery to help engage the child.
Be sure to really dissect this with your child.
Great imagery to help engage the child.
January 21, 2022
I cannot explain how fabulous the "Tea Consent" video is for me as a sex educator - I use it all the time when teaching consent. There's no difference in my level of excitement surrounding Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU by Rachel Brian! It's definitely a great resource, hits all the important and crucial parts of the conversation surrounding boundaries, consent and body autonomy with toddlers in a very relatable way! It's absolutely one of the top resources on my Amazon List of Resources for Talking to Toddlers About Sexuality (https://a.co/e8fzTOB)!
June 8, 2022
Had seen this talked about on several parent internet groups as a conversation starter for children. It did not disappoint!
Covers all the ways to talk about everyday consent in language appropriate for young children and in graphic novel form. Issues like hugging, safe people, sharing info or pictures, etc.
Highly recommend. Will be using with my children and sad that my generation didn't have something like this.
*In case there was concern because of the wording on the cover, remember that this is a book for children so there is no discussion about things that could be considered controversial here.
Covers all the ways to talk about everyday consent in language appropriate for young children and in graphic novel form. Issues like hugging, safe people, sharing info or pictures, etc.
Highly recommend. Will be using with my children and sad that my generation didn't have something like this.
*In case there was concern because of the wording on the cover, remember that this is a book for children so there is no discussion about things that could be considered controversial here.
March 12, 2021
El consentimiento (¡para niños y niñas!)
Esta novela gráfica es un recurso indispensable para hablar con nuestros hijos sobre como poner límites con otras personas, explicándoles de manera sencilla cómo poder expresar cuando hay algo que no quieren hacer, como reconocer cuando uno de sus límites está siendo cruzado y cómo respetar los límites de los demás.
El libro no se enfoca en puntos sexuales, ni deja en claro lo que podría ser una caricia de éste tipo. Creo que es un libro introductorio para explicar el consentimiento pero también deja abierta la posibilidad a qué sean los padres los que les expliquen a sus hijos. Y ojo, papás/mamás, siempre es mejor prevenir que lamentar, dejemos a un lado la pena y hablemos con nuestros niños con honestidad.
Me ha gustado mucho para explicarle a los peques lo que está bien y lo que no deben permitir con sus cuerpos. A no aceptar sobornos ni presiones y que si en algún momento alguna persona (quién sea) le toca o se dirige de manera inapropiada debe decirle a un adulto de confianza de inmediato, recalcando que NO ES SU CULPA, lo que sea que haya ocurrido, es SIEMPRE culpa del adulto, aunque yo agregaría, que es siempre culpa de la otra persona, ya que no solo son adultos quienes realizan el abuso.
No dejo edad recomendada porque honestamente el formato con imágenes lo hace fácil para leer con niños pequeños y porque este tema, tristemente, es de vital importancia que les expliquemos a nuestros hijos.
Imprescindible, de verdad, tenerlo en casa.
Esta novela gráfica es un recurso indispensable para hablar con nuestros hijos sobre como poner límites con otras personas, explicándoles de manera sencilla cómo poder expresar cuando hay algo que no quieren hacer, como reconocer cuando uno de sus límites está siendo cruzado y cómo respetar los límites de los demás.
El libro no se enfoca en puntos sexuales, ni deja en claro lo que podría ser una caricia de éste tipo. Creo que es un libro introductorio para explicar el consentimiento pero también deja abierta la posibilidad a qué sean los padres los que les expliquen a sus hijos. Y ojo, papás/mamás, siempre es mejor prevenir que lamentar, dejemos a un lado la pena y hablemos con nuestros niños con honestidad.
Me ha gustado mucho para explicarle a los peques lo que está bien y lo que no deben permitir con sus cuerpos. A no aceptar sobornos ni presiones y que si en algún momento alguna persona (quién sea) le toca o se dirige de manera inapropiada debe decirle a un adulto de confianza de inmediato, recalcando que NO ES SU CULPA, lo que sea que haya ocurrido, es SIEMPRE culpa del adulto, aunque yo agregaría, que es siempre culpa de la otra persona, ya que no solo son adultos quienes realizan el abuso.
No dejo edad recomendada porque honestamente el formato con imágenes lo hace fácil para leer con niños pequeños y porque este tema, tristemente, es de vital importancia que les expliquemos a nuestros hijos.
Imprescindible, de verdad, tenerlo en casa.
November 6, 2020
I did this as a read-aloud with my nine-year-old son. He enjoyed teaching me how to correctly read comics. Boundaries and consent are important topics for kids to understand. I loved the author's approach. The comics were funny and the content was clear without being scary or overwhelming for a kid. I would recommend this to parents and am glad my friend Emily recommended it to me.
December 15, 2020
This is hands down the best book of its kind I've ever seen. It gets the point across without ever being scary. It's funny, it's clever, kids will understand the point. It's appealing for multiple age ranges, and it's thorough without being long-winded. I just bought it for several of the "big kids" (ages 5 - 9) in my life. I also like how inclusive the stick figures are. A+
December 24, 2022
I used this book with 4th graders in combination with teaching body autonomy and prevention of sexual abuse. They enjoyed the book and great discussions about what is and what is not consent looks like. I appreciated the author mentioning it’s ok to consent, but then change your mind and choose not to consent. The graphic novel format was great.
January 10, 2021
Full of clear explanations, engaging illustrations, and expertly-presented information, this is an empowering introduction to consent, bodily autonomy, and how to respect yourself and others.
Will be buying for my 4th/5th grade classroom.
Highly recommend.
Will be buying for my 4th/5th grade classroom.
Highly recommend.
January 24, 2021
Condivido la critica che è stata mossa da alcune altre recensioni: il libro non può sostituire il dialogo con i genitori, anche perché in molti punti è molto vago e confusionario. Ma l'intento è ammirevole e il tema importantissimo.
September 30, 2021
Essential. Such a powerful tool for helping kids understand consent in an age-appropriate way using examples they can easily understand, and plenty of humor. It’s like an Oatmeal strip without the profanity 😁
February 27, 2020
This is excellent.
May 6, 2020
Great information about personal autonomy, setting boundaries, healthy relationships, and respect for self and others.
September 24, 2020
Another perfect nonfiction book from this author. Simple, humorous, compassionate, and informative breakdowns of consent. People of all ages should read this.
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