From My Head to My Toes, What I Say Goes

My new picture book, From My Head to My Toes, I Say What Goes, is about consent and is the perfect companion to my debut picture book, All Bodies are Good Bodies.

All Bodies are Good Bodies was all about appreciating our wonderful bodies. In From My Head to My Toes, I Say What Goes, the focus is on one of the most important ways we look after our bodies – understanding consent. The book empowers children to be in charge of their bodies, and to learn the language around setting boundaries that keep them comfortable and safe.

The idea of breaking the book up into ‘yes’ and ‘no’ came to me straight away. I wanted to highlight that it’s OK to agree or disagree in various situations and activities, on different occasions. Whether it be high-fives, hugs, kisses, wearing different hairstyles, climbing trees or playing chasey – the choice is always ours whether we do or don’t take part. I think this also ties in more widely with the topics of peer pressure, individuality and respect.

I brainstormed lots of kid-centric activities to include in the book and worked on phrases that children can use to say ‘no’, which isn’t always an easy thing to do. From examples of gentle declines (such as ‘No, thanks’ and ‘That’s not for me’) to stronger statements like ‘STOP THAT NOW’, I wanted to give children phrases they can use in different situations.

Next came the rhyming. I love working in rhyme. It’s like solving a giant jigsaw puzzle, moving back and forth to find the right words or phrase. (Rhymezone.com was very helpful with this part  ). When working on a rhyming text, I’m in flow: I’m completely engaged in finding the right combination of words and beats that makes the text sing. And when I find the winning combination, it feels right.

My favourite part of the book is the final spread, which still gives me goosebumps when I read it. The final stanza summarises not only the importance of being able to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, but the importance of accepting ‘yes’ or ‘no’ from someone else. Because really, that’s just as important.

 I am incredibly proud of this book. I’m in awe of Jacqui’s gorgeous illustrations. I’m grateful to the Bright Light team at Hardie Grant for pulling such a beautiful book together. I cannot wait to share it with the world.