TL;DR
As a former social worker and now a mama, I’m always on the lookout for tools that help nurture confidence, boundaries, and safety in my child. I recently found a book series that does exactly that—the Where Hands Go collection by Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs. These body safety books for preschoolers cover critical topics like consent, safe touch, and boundaries in age-
appropriate, beautifully illustrated ways. They’re written with social-emotional growth in mind and are a must-have for any intentional parent.
A Safe, Empowering Way to Start the Conversation
As a former social worker who worked with at-risk families and children, I’ve seen firsthand how early education around body safety can literally change lives. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Where Hands Go series by Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs. Now, as a mama, these books are some of the most important I’ve added to our home library.
Body autonomy can be such a heavy topic to bring up with littles. You want to protect them, but you also want them to stay kids—to feel safe and carefree. That’s where this series shines. These books introduce important rules and concepts in a gentle, engaging, and affirming way that doesn’t scare or overwhelm.
With one in four girls and one in six boys at risk of sexual abuse before the age of 18, this guide empowers families with the awareness and language they need to create a culture of safety from day one.
Each book is high-quality, with vibrant illustrations and strong messaging that makes a lasting impression. The language is simple and age-appropriate while still respecting the seriousness of the subject.
What the Series Includes
Here are a few of the titles I picked up and loved:
1. Where Hands Go: An Introduction to Safe and Unsafe Touch
This is where it all starts. It gently introduces the idea that some touches are okay and others are not—and that your child has a right to say “no.” This is the version specifically for boys, which I appreciated since body safety content is often directed toward girls.
2. Where Hands Go: Body Safety Rules
The second book builds on the first and provides 10 clear, easy-to-remember rules about body boundaries. It gives kids actionable guidance, like what to do if an unwanted touch happens. It’s empowering without being scary.
3. Where Hands Go: The Power of No
This one is all about giving kids the confidence and language to say “no” when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. It encourages them to trust their instincts and speak up, even when it’s hard.
This book creatively uses the alphabet to introduce children to the concept of consent. Each letter is tied to a value, behavior, or idea that supports respect, boundaries, and emotional safety.
Why These Books Stood Out to Me
· They’re trauma-informed. As someone who worked with kids from hard places, I noticed how intentionally these books were written to avoid shame while promoting empowerment.
· They’re inclusive. Characters reflect a wide range of backgrounds, and there are options for both boys and girls.
· They’re gorgeous. The illustrations are high quality, colorful, and engaging for preschoolers.
· They’re age-appropriate. The content fits the 2–7 age range perfectly. These are not heavy textbooks—they’re storybooks your child will actually want to read again and again.
· Each book includes a comprehensive parent resource guide filled with practical tools and encouragement for parents, teachers, and caregivers. It’s not just a book for kids — it equips adults too.
Meet the Author: Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs
Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs is the author behind the Where Hands Go series and The ABC’s of Consent. Her background in education and advocacy shines through in every word. You can tell she deeply cares about giving families the tools to build safety, respect, and confidence from the earliest years.
How We Use These Books
We’ve used the Where Hands Go series as part of our reading routine, weaving in gentle conversation around the messages. It’s not about having a one-time, heavy talk—it’s about planting little seeds of understanding consistently. These books give you the language and confidence to start those conversations early and keep them going.
And as a mom who’s walked alongside kids in crisis, I can’t overstate how powerful that is.
This series has not only helped our family normalize conversations around body safety—it’s also given my child the tools to recognize their worth, assert their boundaries, and feel confident doing so. If you’re an intentional parent looking to raise emotionally aware, secure kids, these books are more than worth adding to your shelf.
