The Right Touch by Sandy Kleven (author), Jody Bergsma (illustrator)
Providing invaluable information about inappropriate touching and what to do if children experience an abusive situation, The Right Touch reaches beyond the usual scope of children’s picture books. This extraordinary parenting book deals with a very difficult topic—the sexual abuse of young children. This gentle, thoughtful story can be read aloud to a child by any trusted caregiver.
In this thoughtful story, young Jimmy’s mom explains the difference between touches that are positive and touches that are secret, deceptive or forced. She tells him how to resist inappropriate touching, affirming that abuse is not the child’s fault.
Jody Bergsma’s gentle illustrations soften the impact of this story; yet this portrayal of a dangerous situation is very realistic. If children are old enough to sit still and listen to a story, they are old enough for The Right Touch.
Used by parents and teachers nationwide to help children avoid sexual abuse, this book won the 1999 Benjamin Franklin Parenting Award. It was a finalist for the Small Press Award and was also “Selected as Outstanding” by the Parent Council, Ltd.