"Where Did I Come From?"
by Peter Mayle
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Book Reviews of "Where Did I Come From?"
Book Review: Classic for small children
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a classic for explaining the birds and the bees to small kids. It's illustrated in a cartoony, friendly style and explains sex in a way that's comprehensible from a child's point of view. I don't think it crosses the line of what an average parent would consider "too much information".
The couple depicted are slightly chubby and middle-aged, quite the stereotype of a mummy and daddy. On one page they are standing together nude and smiling at the reader. On the page that explains sexual intercourse, they're under the blankets, so don't worry about kids seeing too much. Sex is explained as being like "skipping rope" - it feels good but you get too tired to do it forever! Sounds funny from an adult's perspective but I guess it's a good way to explain to a small child why grown-ups like it.
The book also explains fertilization down at the cellular level (the endpapers feature a cartoon egg being presented with a rose by a sperm) and pregnancy and childbirth in brief.
I read the book around age 5 or 6. My parents didn't want to have to explain this stuff face-to-face and I was an early reader =)
Book Review: Every parent should read this with their child.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book has been around since I was a child. When it was given to me, I found it very easy to read and understand. I don't remember exactly how old I was, probably around 6 or 7... but the text and the pictures helped me to understand the concept of human sexuality as well as made it clear that this is what adults do. During no time while reading this book did I feel compelled to try out anything that was described within. This book is honest, open, and very helpful to a child who wants to know the details without the boring technical terms that go along with sexuality. (Although, this book is technical in its reference to names for body parts) As a parent, I fully intend to buy this for my daughter when she starts asking the famous question, 'Where did I come from?'. I know in reading this with her, she will be getting the honest truth about her origin in words she will understand, in a way that would help any parent discuss this important subject with their child. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any parent struggling with the issue of getting the facts out clearly and comfortably for all those involved.Book Review: The perfect intro.... comments about negative reviews.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am disturbed by some of the negative reviews that I've read. My mother taught me "the facts" by letting me read this book (I was in 5th grade) and then talking to me about it. It was perfect. It was cute, kind of funny (so it wasn't embarrassing) and easy to read. I learned everything I needed to know at that time. I am very sorry for those people who have been sexually abused and find this book "dangerous" but I don't think it's dangerous to describe lovemaking as something that "feels good." Think about it.... the concept of intercourse must sound TOTALLY wierd or even painful to someone who's learning about it for the first time. It makes the whole "mom and dad did THAT???" feeling a little more tolerable. The picture of the parents in the bathtub is TOTALLY appropriate! They're just standing there!! For those children who are seeing naked adult pictures for the first time, it's the perfect way to show the "parts." And for those people who think it's sexist because it's the "guy who wants to have the sex..." well... I think you're just LOOKING for something to be upset about!Book Review: Wow! Very disappointing!!
Summary: 1 Stars
I got this book because I feel sex education is very important. I was raised by a Labor & Delivery room nurse and a reproductive biologist set of parents. We had very scientific and meaningful discussions about all topics relating to love and reproduction. I was appalled with the humorous implication of sex in this book. We came from sperm? "this sticky stuff is how you and I and all of us started" What about the preparation of the the egg? And the combinations of DNA? An orgasm feels like a sneeze? What are we kidding? Now kids will never think of sneezing the same. And anyway, if that is how others' orgasms feel... so sad for you! And a woman's orgasm does not originate from the vagina. All the boys -and girls for that matter- who read the book will forever be confused! Why do kids need to have the feeling of an orgasm explained anyway? I appreciate the attitude of frankness in the book; However, I think it is blatantly written by a man (our poor daughters) and leaves out the amazing science of reproduction. I will continue my search for a book with better content.Book Review: OK, but there are better books
Summary: 3 Stars
I ordered three books on this subject for my almost 8 year old daughter, including this one based on the reviews here. I think this book presented the necessary information, but wasn't right for us. My husband and I got a good laugh out of reading the book, but didn't share this one with our daughter. I felt that the descriptions of the act of sex, including orgasm, were a little too strange. The book compares it to scratching an itch, the relief felt after sneezing, and even talks about "lots of wiggling around down there." It was silly and not graphic, but I felt that as an intro to human reproduction it was a little too much. I couldn't have read it without laughing! On the other hand, I think if you have a child who has walked in on you during "the act" this might be a good book to have on hand. I'm going to keep it tucked away just in case. Instead, I read her "Boys, Girls, and Body Science" which went very well. It has all of the same information presented in a more matter-of-fact way. So, we didn't really dislike the book, it just wasn't right for us.