How do you teach a child about boundaries, safe touch, or saying no? These books are helping Indian parents start that conversation, starting with the books on their shelves.
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Why consent talks matter With child abuse cases on the rise, helping children understand consent early gives them a voice — helping them feel seen, heard, and safe in their own bodies.
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1. No Means No! by Jayneen Sanders Perfect for ages 4–8, this sweet book uses relatable scenes and fun illustrations to show kids that their body belongs to them — and it’s always okay to say no, even to a hug.
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2. Ritu Weds Chandni by Ameya Narvankar For 6–10-year-olds, this heartwarming story of two women in love helps kids understand love, choice, and respecting others’ decisions — even when they challenge norms.
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2. Ammachi’s Glasses by Priya Kuriyan This joyful, wordless picture book (ages 3–7) invites children to interpret emotions and stories their own way — a playful way to spark early talks about feelings and boundaries.
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3. My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders For kids aged 5–9, this book teaches safe touch and body rules clearly and confidently — filling a gap in many schools, as shown in NCERT’s 2020 findings.
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4. What’s That Smell, Amma? by Nandita Basu A comic for 7–11-year-olds, this book talks about puberty, periods, and growing up — all without shame. It helps kids embrace changes with curiosity instead of confusion.
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Reva and Prisha by Swati Shome Developed by a child protection NGO, this 6–10 age book gently explains safe and unsafe touch using trauma-informed language. A great tool to build body confidence and safety.
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Gappu Can’t Dance by Menaka Raman This cheerful story (ages 4–8) shows a child who doesn’t want to dance, and is respected for it. A sweet reminder that it’s okay to say no, even to something fun.
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5. What parents can do Books start the conversation, but it’s everyday actions — asking before hugging, listening without judgement, and modelling boundaries — that truly teach what consent looks like.
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