Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You

In a graphic novel follow-up to her viral animated shorts Tea Consent and Consent for Kids, debut author Brian takes readers through lessons about consent and boundary setting, delineating appropriate responses to violations and modeling healthy relationships along the way. Eight short chapters break down larger concepts into specific situations and equip young readers with knowledge of their rights, identify various relational red flags (abuse of power, control, inappropriate grooming, etc.), and offer ways to articulate and assert themselves. Readers are also invited to reflect on their own behaviors and encouraged to practice asking for consent, listen with discernment, and safely support friends in difficult situations. Brian's flat drawings in a webcomic style are rendered in grayscale and accented with turquoise. Characters with stick-figure arms and legs reflect a range of ages, skin tones, and physical abilities. What's remarkable is how Brian expresses such serious, complicated subject matter so concisely and thoroughly, with simplicity and tone-appropriate wit and humor. The result is a digestible, memorable volume meant to spark enlightened action: "CONSENT TAKES PRACTICE. The more that people around you practice consent, the more natural it is for everyone." A useful, well-executed resource. Ages 6-10. (Jan.)

Gr 2-5--Brian's "Consent: It's as Simple as Tea" video, which uses a cup of tea as a metaphor for sexual consent, went viral several years ago. Now the animator teaches children how to establish boundaries and speak up for themselves when they don't want to be hugged (or tickled or tackled or pinched or pushed). Brian notes that respecting others begins with self-respect, and though consent is an essential part of sexuality, it's also key to cultivating healthy friendships. The scenarios and analogies here sit comfortably within the scope of a child's experience--you can decline if someone gives you a chewed-up French fry, for example. You might have to hold an adult's hand when crossing a parking lot even though you don't want to, but it's fine to ask the adult to ease up on their grip. If you've agreed to let someone hurl pies at your face in the past, you can change your mind. You should say no if someone offers to show you an embarrassing photo of a friend. Though the book steers clear of explicit sexual content, Brian adds that pictures and videos should never be shared without the subject's consent, and that taking and sending nude photos of children under 18 is a crime. Varied panel layouts and two-color cartoon art featuring appealing, blobby stick-figure characters keep the book lively.

VERDICT Brian takes on a potentially touchy subject with humor and clarity. This is a book that can be read in an hour, but its lessons should, and will, stay with readers for a lifetime.--Paula Willey, Enoch Pratt Free Library