In the note to parents that precedes this chatty offering, Saltz says, "By [ages seven to ten, children] know that the sperm is in Daddy and the egg is in Mommy, so naturally they are wondering, 'How does one get to the other?' " The answer is here, in nicely anatomically cross-sectioned detail, along with an introduction to the changes that come with puberty leading up to the egg-and-sperm moment, and a brief discussion of the pregnancy that may well follow. In both its address to parents and children, the text is appropriately reassuring and matter-of-fact (much care is taken to use medical vocabulary for genitalia), although much is missing. There is no discussion of birth control or STDs, and it assumes a values system in which sexual intercourse and having babies are linked, without marriage as a prerequisite. Cravath's cartoon illustrations are accurate and amusing, and take some care to depict a multiethnic cast. In comprehensiveness, frankness and warmth, however, the whole cannot hold a candle to the Robie H. Harris/Michael Emberley trio of sex-ed books and must therefore be considered an additional purchase. (Nonfiction. 6-12) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 3-5-This is an introduction to puberty and sexual intercourse in the context of a loving relationship between a man and woman. The book covers topics that kids often inquire about, such as bodily changes and how babies are born. Bright, cartoon illustrations of the human body at different stages and ages and labeled diagrams fill the pages. The clear, straightforward text uses language that young children can easily grasp while the running commentary that accompanies the art takes a lighter, more conversational approach. The book concludes with suggestions for discussing sexuality with children.-Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

These books about the birds and the bees may help assuage kids' concerns about their development. The team behind Amazing You! returns with Changing You! A Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Dr. Gail Saltz, illus. by Lynne Avril Cravath, which helps parents and kids discuss the tricky topic of puberty. Earnest but not overly clinical lessons about anatomy and reproduction are paired with illustrations that feature numerous lighthearted details, underscoring the normality of the bodily changes growing kids face. (Dutton, $16.99 48p ages 6-up ISBN 9780-525-47817-1; Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved