
The Breast Book
A puberty guide with a difference – it's the when, why and how of breasts
For bulk orders The Breast Book by Emma Pickett for schools and libraries, please contact Pinter & Martin.
When breasts first start to grow, no one talks about it. There aren't any greetings cards that say, 'Woo Hoo! Your breasts are developing!' but you get a birthday card when you are ten and that's just about planet Earth going around the Sun ten times.
Why don't we say, 'Woo Hoo!'? Because we live in a society where we often get uncomfortable and look at the floor when it comes to talking about breasts. They seem to be important in lots of ways but then there are these confusing rules that say when we're allowed to notice them and talk about them, and when we're not.
Your body has looked the same for a long time and now things are changing. That can take some getting used to. We'll hear from teenagers and mothers, women remembering their first bra and some remembering their last. We also hear from Jack describing his long journey as a trans man. This book tells you all about breasts and helps you to feel confident about their arrival. They are much more than just a pair of bumps that can fit into a bra. Breasts can do amazing things that scientists are only beginning to understand. This book says, 'Woo Hoo!' and 'Wow!' and 'Isn't that amazing?' It says, 'Congratulations!' and also says, 'I know this feels a bit weird too.'
Let's get to know more about our two lifelong buddies with the WHEN, HOW and WHY of breasts.
"...what a gap in the market this book is about to fill. Finally, gone are the days of those cursory nods to breasts in books about puberty. The Breast Book is ‘A puberty guide with a difference – it’s the when, why and how of breasts’ and It. Is. Brilliant. A must read for girls approaching puberty, their parents, and a fantastic resource for schools. ...every section is fascinating and necessary in giving girls the full picture when it come to understanding their breasts." Jo, Tales from the Mother Side
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Fabulous book, everyone should read it
I have a 9-year old. She's just at the very beginning of breast bud development. I want her to feel great about her body as it changes, so I've made sure we've had a copy of this book hanging around the house for the last few months. Whilst dancing with her dad the other day, my daughter asked him, very confidently and with no hint of embarrassment, not to squeeze too hard, as her chest is feeling a bit tender. She proceeded to tell him, making no big deal of it at all 'it's a bit uncomfortable for me at the moment, cos my body's changing. It's called breast buds, and they're bit tender today.' Just exactly the ordinary body-confidence that I would wish for my daughter. So different to me at that age.
Amazing book lovely illustrations
I bought this on preorder for my 10yo daughter and I’ve had a brief look at it and it’s very well written easy to read and understand. It’s pitched at a great age range covering many issues in society
The Breast Book
An excellent book giving preteens/teens everything they need to know... physical, social, sexual, emotional...It's got it all. It's scattered with stories about different people's experiences of their own breasts, including one transgender man which I was really glad to see, a very valid experience, great learning opportunity for a more tolerant society, and an excellent discussion point. An easy read, interesting and morale boosting. Thank you for writing this!
The Best Breast Book
Emma Pickett is just the person to write a book for confused or anxious or curious teenage girls. She has an abundant and fascinating knowledge of the subject, and a humorous, patient tone with which to impart it. What makes this book particularly special is the deep feminism that comes through on every page: your body is normal, your body is good, your body is your own for you to make decisions about. The Breast Book covers how breasts grow, what they are for, and why society gives us such confusing messages about them. Illustrated with cartoons, photos, and anecdotes from women of all ages and one transman, it’s very accessible even for the younger reader. And while the younger reader may not take in all of this detail to start with, just owning this book means they have a reliable resource for when they are ready. It even includes sample notes to highlight in order to start a conversation with parents, should it feel too difficult to do this out loud. And parents, note: this book is not a substitute for talking to your daughter, but is an excellent companion.