At long last, a groundbreaking book promoting body positivity for children has arrived. Written by innovative bloggers and mothers, Sarah Johnson and Emily Thompson, “Her Body Can” is the first of its kind, aimed at young girls. Gone are the days when children’s literature was dominated by images of traditionally attractive figures — predominantly white and slender, akin to the Barbie dolls of our childhood. While there has been a shift towards more diversity in children’s books over the years, the critical conversation around body positivity has largely been overlooked.
Recognizing this gap, Johnson and Thompson set out to create a resource that instills confidence and self-love before societal pressures take hold. “Her Body Can” was released this week, and its message is clear: “Her body is beautiful — strong, kind and wise. All bodies are lovely no matter their size.” This book serves as a poetic affirmation of self-love and aims to empower young girls to embrace their bodies as they are, rather than critiquing themselves for what they are not.
Target Audience and Impact
Targeted at girls from newborns to age 8, this book emphasizes that their bodies are capable of remarkable things, irrespective of appearance. According to studies, many girls begin to express body dissatisfaction by age 13, with up to 50% of girls in grades K through 8 worried about their weight. Johnson and Thompson’s intention is to combat this trend by promoting body positivity without any negative context. “We want to show a plus-size kid thriving, unapologetically,” stated Thompson.
Thompson, whose daughter has a prominent facial birthmark, noted the importance of representation. “It’s vital that she understands that her uniqueness doesn’t dictate her happiness or success. Children need to see diverse bodies in the media they consume.” The illustrations in “Her Body Can” reflect this ethos, showcasing friends of various abilities, races, sizes, and backgrounds. Johnson added, “The images communicate a powerful message — ‘Everyone is equal.’”
The Importance of Body Positivity
In today’s climate, this book is essential. As body positivity gains traction among adults, it is crucial to instill these values in children. Johnson shared her belief that if she had access to such a book in her youth, it might have fostered her self-acceptance earlier in life. The authors hope their work will diminish the pervasive “fatphobic” attitudes and facilitate discussions on self-love among parents and educators.
Availability and Further Reading
“Her Body Can” is now available on Amazon for $16. For more insights, check out another one of our blog posts here. Additionally, for comprehensive information on insemination and related topics, visit this authority and refer to this excellent resource on infertility.
Conclusion
In summary, “Her Body Can” is a pivotal new book that promotes self-love and acceptance among young girls, ensuring they understand their worth is not dictated by societal standards. Through diverse representation and a positive message, the authors aim to change the narrative around body image for future generations.