The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls, Revised Edition (American Girl® Wellbeing) Paperback – Picture Book, March 26, 2012

As a 50 year old woman who has successfully raised two wonderfully responsible, tax paying, young men, I thought that raising a "girl" would be the cake walk of a lifetime. So, at the ripe young age of 50, I got my opportunity through a unfortunate/fortunate event, my husband ended up with custody of his, now our, beautiful daughter. How hard could it actually be caring for a 7 year old girl child? Not hard, not at all... she's kinda like a dirty little boy. Then a birthday passed, a Christmas, a summer, another year of school now we are 9. WHAT THE HELL... FOR REAL! What happens at 9 to little girls today that never happed to me 41 years ago? I had a difficult problem explaining to a "baby" girl, what her GROWING body was trying to tell her! I can't even begin to describe the puzzled look in her eyes, or the fact that I failed miserably to explain to a level of her comprehension. I immediately turned to my grown children "what do I do" - my adult son reminds me that I took him to book store, showed him a biology book and traumatized him for life, that's where we had our "puberty" talk. He recommended a sensible approach, told me to research "coming of age" book series, and also this book. This book makes everything so much easier about the puberty talk, it is laid out in interesting short paragraphs that are easy to digest. The illustrations are still playful and definitely hit the nail on the head with the awkward bodies and cute expressions. The book keeps my little girl interested in a very embarrassing topic for her, and she sleeps with it on her night stand, and refers to it often. The emphasis on caring for your body and making it a part of personal responsibility really made an impact on my child. She takes pride in caring for her body, doesn't resist brushing her teeth as much, or not as distracted to forget deoderant. She enjoys having a set method for body care, choosing nice body care products, and its building self esteem. I wish as a young girl I had gotten the same education, sadly there are many who just learned it the old fashioned way, and tho we may have turned out okay, its sure so much easier knowing that by just purchasing this book, you're setting a healthy routine in motion that's not ambigious, its purposeful and it attributes to overall good health.

I have two daughters, and with the oldest recently turning 10 years-old, she is beginning to experience a lot of the changes we all know are bound to happen. Given the fact that I divorced their mother several years ago, and despite being re-married to a woman who is a great support system for the girls, I have largely raised my girls from the perspective of their father, their friend, their sports coach, as well as playing the role of a mom in many ways.I have an incredible relationship with my daughters, and we talk about everything--because of their surroundings resulting from the divorce, they've been forced to grow up quickly like many children today. I do my best on a daily basis to prepare them and to treat them with dignity, respect, care, love, and guidance. With that said, I don't have all of the answers, and while I can research things and explain them from an outsider's perspective, this book is a fantastic resource for several reasons:1.) The content - it covers a lot in a small package, topics ranging from changing bodies to eating habits, exercise, and hygiene guidance.2.) The ease of presentation - my daughter ADORES the way the book is presented. She feels very comfortable laying in bed at bedtime and reading a section or two with me, and having comfortable dialog about often-times uncomfortable content for a 10yo.3.) The portrayal of not being alone - One of my favorite components of this book, is that through the verbiage and imagery, it's clear that no girl is unique in encountering these issues, but they ARE very unique in when, what, and how... it doesn't make my girl feel weird about the content.I read voraciously and review from time to time, but I really do insist that parents scoop this one up... it's a very valuable buy.

Perfect for tweens entering/about to enter that crazy roller coaster called puberty! It’s very age appropriate, but also straight forward and simple, but not boring. Covers all the main topics young ladies need to help them be prepared and confident.I bought this & read it with my daughter. Then bought it again for my nieces who are coming of age.I also recommend the 2nd book when they’re ready. It goes into a little more depth on things like tampons & such.