Your body is amazing by Jess Sanders. Illus. by Christine Cuddihy

Jess Sanders is a social worker, educator and author. She has created multiple award-winning resources for children, to assist in understanding tricky topics. Her books focus on positive body image, self-care, and emotional literacy.  

This book is the 6th in her Life lessons for little ones series. It follows You are enough released in 2022, You've got this and Your softness is your strength (both released in 2023), and You can do hard things and You know yourself best (both released in 2024). 

Your body is amazing encourages young people to appreciate the body they have, to be thankful for what it can do, and to realise that there's more to being 'them' than just what they look like. It starts:

"Your body is not too small, and it is not too big.
It is not too short, and it is not too tall. 
Your body is actually amazing.
Just as it is."

The book goes on to cover a range of things our bodies do automatically (converting food to energy, healing when sick, recharging during sleep) as well as what our senses allow us to experience. It encourages the reader to reflect on the positives about every body, whether short or tall, strong or flexible. 

It broadly addresses changing bodies and the discomfort this might bring, and reminds us what we can do to feel amazing. It encourages talking to a trusted grown-up about any uncomfortable feelings. 

The last few pages show ways to take care of our body, and the book ends with a website link. The 'resources' tab on the website contains multiple useful links, including age-appropriate discussion questions for young people. 

The bright, cartoony illustrations by Christine Cuddihly add vibrancy to the information on each page - bodies of all shapes, sizes and abilities are shown, including a diverse range of skin colours, disabilities, manners of dress, and ways of moving. 

For positivity around body image, mindset and embracing differences and uniqueness, this book is fabulous. It would be a great read-aloud to classes from pre-school through to Year 2, and an ideal starting point for important conversations.

Themes: Body image, Diversity.

Kylie Grant