Mommy Laid an Egg Book

Sugar, Spice, and Sex Talks for Kids

Want to start talking about the birds and the bees before puberty? If Amy Lang’s resources don’t do the job, try grabbing a copy of Mommy Laid an Egg by Babette Cole.

Sadly, the content means this kids’ picture book isn’t available on most library shelves, so you’ll have to order online or get a copy from someone else. But the author handles the topic deftly, and it comes with stick figure illustrations that still manage to leave little to the imagination.

I discovered this book when I read Achtung Baby. Sara Zascke mentions it in passing in under the difficult subjects chapter. I went to look for a copy at our local library, and of course it didn’t exist in the catalog. So I decided to order a copy for myself, and I’m glad I did. Our kids find it funny the way the book switches the tables so that kids know more than their embarrassed parents. And I love having a book to read together to start having conversations about sex and bodies and boys and girls that’s age appropriate and not too serious. But if you don’t want to see cartoon figures in compromising positions, don’t even consider it. I love the lighthearted approach to this difficult topic, but the book might not agree with everyone.

If you’re looking for another book like It’s Not the Stork to get the sex talks started before puberty, get a copy of this lighthearted look at sex from kids’ perspective any way you can.