Customer Reviews
I was not prepared for the content 
2008-05-15
I ordered this book for my 5th grade daughter. The title of this book looked harmless and full of information that I was seeking, so I purchased it. I was not aware that is was considered "perfectly normal" to engage in homo sexual activities as a part of adolescence. Unfortunately this book was full of other "normals" that I was not prepared for, let alone comfortable sharing and teaching my 5th grader (or High School student for that matter!).
This book is disgusting 2008-04-21
I ordered this from a book club, so I was unable to thumb through it. Had I been, I would not have boughten it! When I was age 10 (heck 17 for that matter), I didn't know what it looked like for two people to have sex or what a man's naked organs look like. I turend out okay. I was a virgin until age 18 and by then I learned enough in high school health class to know about birth control etc.. I agree with what others have said that this is a how-to guide and the pictures are way too graphic for a kid. I also don't see whats wrong with letting our kids be kids a little longer. Do they really need to see this at such a young age. Also, I am against abortion and homosexuality, which this book does nothing but promote!
Very Helpful, Clear and Informative 
2008-04-14
This book is just what I was looking for to further explain the facts of life to our two daughters.
So, it's embarrasing... get over it! 2008-04-10
This is the perfect book for a parent wishing to be completely open & honest about sex with their child. Yes, the cartoonish images are very graphic, but this book is not meant to be just handed over to your child. 'It's Perfectly Normal' talks about puberty, good hygeine, new feelings, masturbation, sexual intercourse, birth control (including abstinence!), peer pressure, STD's, homosexuality, & sexual abuse. If you would rather have your child find all this out on their own, whether it be from friends or by experimentation, than don't bother. I, myself, would prefer that my children learn about all this from me. When my 11 yr old asked me last week what a condom was (because she heard about them from a friend), I couldn't get to a bookstore quick enough for this book. I had no idea where to start without making both of us feel awkward & this book saved the day! Wake up folks! Your child is going to find out all about everything in this book... do you want them to have the right info & be able to sit & talk about it, or do you want them to find out on their own & be mis-informed? I can guarantee you that your relationship with your child will be better off if you're open & honest. In the end, your child will know they can come to you with anything & get an honest answer.
Outstanding for those of us who live in the real world 2008-04-09
Kids start to ask questions about sex at a young age. A great book for the littler kids is "Hair in Funny Places." When they are ready for the next level up, you can't find a better book than It's Perfectly Normal.
Some reviews think this book is inappropriate unless your kids are teens. Did you know that studies show 13% of females and 15% of males aged 15-19 in 2002 had already had intercourse for the first time before age 15? An NBC News poll reports 14% of 13 to 14 year-olds are already sexually active. Not my kid, you say? Better safe than sorry, experts reply. Waiting until your kids are teens could be too late.
My child is 8. He's started asking questions that go beyond how babies are made. This book is an outstanding resource. I don't just hand it to him, it's a supervised, interactive conversation and he only reads what he's drawn to - I never push more information than he wants and he always puts it down when he's had enough.
When sticky subjects come up, this book is where I go to have a conversation with him...it reduces my embarrassment and helps him understand what I'm saying w/o opportunity for miscommunication.
If you live in the real world, you need this book for your kids. Or you can hide your head in the sand...and wait for a Juno situation in your family.
Great book 2008-07-24
I bought this book to help get through 'the talk' with my daughter. It was very blunt and to the point, but I think that is a great thing.
highly questionable 2008-07-23
this book is one of the top 10 most highly questionable books in 2007.
it ranked #9.
i think parents should explain these things. your child should hear it from you.
It's Perfectly Normal 2008-06-21
This book is just what every parent of a preeteen needs. It covers all the "taboo" topics many parents are uncomfortable discussing with their kids. I feel better knowing my daughter is armed with facts as she enters her teen years.
Just the right amount of knowledge 2008-06-05
What I love about this series of books (we also own "It's So Amazing") is that they give enough information to answer the questions your kids may have about growing up and sex, but they don't overwhelm them. The characters of "Bird" and "Bee" also reinforce the fact that learning about the subject matter can be both interesting (Bird's perspective) and kinda uncomfortable/gross (Bee's perspective)...and that either feeling is not only okay, but normal.
My daughter and I read this book together, so that I can answer any additional questions that may come up. I highly recommend this book as part of your child's sexual education.
I question the age appropriateness of this book 
2008-05-30
Let me start off by saying that I'm a 26 year old guy, single, with no kids. I hear about this book from a conservative watchdog group and to satisfy my curiosity I read it for myself. I was surprised to find it in my local library in the juvenile section considering how controversial this book is.
The content itself is not that much different than what I learned in 5th, 8th, and 11th grade. It describes the biological differences between men
and women, the changes that occur in puberty, and the process of birth. The section on abortion is politically balanced -- which is surprising for a book promoted by Planned Parenthood. The author also reiterates thought out the book that sex can be dangerous and should only be done when you are mature enough for it. She says that the only safe and guaranteed way to avoid STD's and pregnancy is abstinence, which is what I learned in school.
However, the book has a lot of things that are inappropriate for 10 year olds. It gives way too much information on the use of contraception. It also graphically shows the naked male and female body, including an erect penis, repeatedly. It shows a boy and a girl masturbating. It also shows a couple having sex twice in the books. It condones homosexuality and makes no mention of marriage. I'd be concerned that kids mike think they are "mature enough" before they really are given this information and imagery.
Personally, I would not consider giving it to anyone under 13 or 14 to read, if even that. I would not want to have it in my personal library, and I might not even want my kids to read it at all. Other people might think that this material is appropriate for their children, and that's okay. That is their right as parents. In my mind the book doesn't necessarily deserve 1 star but it doesn't deserve more that two.
