The Bare Naked Book

Starred review from January 1, 2021
A joyous celebration of all bodies. In loosely rhyming and rhythmic text, this nonfiction picture book describes parts of the human body. Hands are "washing, holding, clapping, folding, dining, signing," while toes are "rainbow, yummy, squishy, splashy." Some entries are precise and others more conceptual, and different body parts receive different treatment. There are "eyes that see and eyes that are blind" and "ears that hear and ears that are deaf" while shoulders are "hiding in a gown" and "rid[den]...up and down." Genitals are referred to as such, and readers learn that "different people have different kinds," and "whatever you call whatever you have, your genitals belong to you." Illustrations show a tremendously diverse array of bodies, including people with visible disabilities, queer and trans people (one a shirtless transmasculine person with top surgery scars), Black people with vitiligo, and people with hijabs, piercings, and tattoos. Each page shows people smiling, and there are unique depictions of loving families and connections. The extremely simple text introducing basic body parts, combined with kid-friendly yet sophisticated illustrations, allows for all different kinds of children to see themselves and their communities reflected. An afterword by the author explains the history of the original book (published in 1986) and the reasons behind the updates. A beautiful and important addition to any collection of body books. (Informational picture book. 3-7)

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April 1, 1987
PreS -The shock value of this title is largely undeserved. The book is actually an introduction to the parts of the body for young children. A page or two is devoted to each feature, which is displayed in a number of ways. "Noses," for example, shows runny noses, itchy noses, blowing noses, and advises, "Don't pick your nose." Slightly stiff illustrations show children and adults in everyday situations with accompanying descriptive phrases"Pushing arms," "Yummy toes," etc. The organization of the text is somewhat illogical, with shoulders followed by belly buttons and nipples followed by arms. There are relatively few "bare naked" bodies, all belonging to babies or small children. Genitals are clearly displayed; a bathtime scene makes a comfortably natural setting. Although the artwork is mediocre, the concept is well done. This approach is a good one for older toddlers and preschoolers who are becoming aware of others' bodies as well as their own; it has the added bonus of descriptive adjectives which are useful for vocabulary building. Sally Kilroy's Babies' Bodies (Four Winds, 1984) is aimed at a younger audience and is less detailed. Lucy Young Clem, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Library, Ind.