Let's Talk: Books to encourage discussions around wellbeing

"The value of these books is not just about the content, it's also the interactions between children and adults that they initiate."  Molly Potter

The Let's Talk series of books by author Molly Potter, illustrated by Sarah Jennings, can be used by parents / carers with young children to explore ideas about family, friendship, celebrating differences, and now also consent.  Many of these ideas might be new to young children and each book is designed to encourage discussions and invite questions. 

Here, Molly Potter introduces the latest book in the Let's Talk series, It's OK To Say No, whose clear text and inviting illustrations make it a useful introduction to the idea of consent, helping children learn that their voice matters and that they can so 'no'.

Molly Potter said, "The theme of consent has come up several times when working with infant schools - not just because it is a valued topic - but also because it was an issue school staff were struggling to easily explain to children. This is no surprise as it can be quite complex. I went on a somewhat philosophical journey as I wrote the book myself!

"I think the confusion happens over how and when consent starts to becomes a 'thing' as it starts out irrelevant for tiny babies and changes as they grow. It's also good to clarify that when a trusted adult is asking a child to do something to keep them safe, because it's good for them or it's helping them learn -however much they don't feel like doing it – it's not necessarily a matter for consent.

"Through providing many examples via text and illustrations, my book will leave children respectfully understanding when consent is necessary and help them grow up to become adults with a healthy understanding of boundaries - for themselves and others."

Find out more about the Let's Talk series by Molly Potter, illustrated by Sarah Jennings.