Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys

Striking a casual but instructive tone, this resource for boys entering puberty takes a holistic approach, encouraging them to take care of their minds, bodies, and emotional well-being. Chapters focus on such basics as keeping clean (“Seriously, wash your face”) and odor-free, brushing and flossing teeth, eating well, and staying hydrated. Natterson (the Care and Keeping of You series) goes on to discuss more intimate and potentially embarrassing aspects of puberty, including shaving, erections, and voice changes. Player’s loose, brightly colored cartoons add playful dashes of humor throughout (an image of a boy developing an impressive mustache mid-stride is captioned, “Puberty is sneaky”). Natterson gently insinuates that when boys embrace and explore their feelings early in life, they grow up to be healthier and happier adults. Ages 9–12. Illustrator’s agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Aug.)