Rating: 5 out of 5.

This is probably the most fun you’ll have thinking or talking about your period in years. And, if you have a little person in your life who will menstruate, I highly recommend getting them a copy of this book.

About the Book

Periods. Every person who menstruates has a different relationship with their “Aunt Flow”: some good, and some…not so good. This 4-color graphic novel guide embraces all the icky, all the sticky, and all the confusing aspects of the monthly cycle, acknowledging that there’s no cookie-cutter way to manage the physical and emotional mayhem. Filled with bite-sized tips, tricks, and “inside” medical information, this humorous, character-driven guide is the best friend you never knew you needed. And with its fully gender-, body-, and sexuality-inclusive content, this is the no-judgement zone. Whether you’re dreading your first period or can’t wait to throw a Period Party, you’ll find all the answers you need right here.

My Thoughts

Mostly, I’m a little salty that we didn’t have awesome books like this when I was a kid, but I’m also really glad that now that I’m a parent, we do have books like this! Before I became a parent, if you’d asked me if I’d like to do a month-long read of a book focused on periods, I’d have been like no thanks. But now, I’m like yes, please, all the resources. My kid is presently only 5.5, but the unfortunate fact is those five and half years have flown by and I was only 11 when I got my own period. So I’m going to need to have a conversation with this little gal a lot sooner than I’d probably like. And boy am I glad for books like this, that make it fun, digestible, and less scary.

I truly feel like Mayo Clinic Press is doing a fantastic service to parents by making these books available. Clearly, yes, they’re making money, too. They’re not giving the books away. But having access to this is a game-changer. I have a little cousin I’m thinking about sending this book to, but I’m not sure if that’s overstepping some sort of boundary.

Anyway, the comic-book style is fantastic. It makes it accessible and makes it more interesting to kids who aren’t as interested in books. Even avid readers aren’t necessarily interested in health books. I’m not inclined usually to sit down and read a boring book about my period. I definitely didn’t when I was a kid. And I don’t know if my own kid will ever be into books without pictures, her dad sure isn’t. He’s a WebToon guy all the way.

The information is top-notch. It covers all the basics and even taught me some things, even though I’ve had my period for more than 20 years. I think it’s enough information to get kids started and not so much that it will overwhelm them. It will definitely open the door and get the conversation started, which is what you want to do. I am so thankful for the resource and will definitely be using it with my daughter, probably sooner than I’d like.

I am enamored with these Mayo Clinic Press health resources, and I will absolutely keep my eyes peeled for more. In fact, I’m on Week 2 of the Helping Paws Academy tour next week, another great series of health information for kids. You can catch my review of Week 1 here, and my review of another great book covering mental health here. I am so grateful to the author, illustrator, publisher, and Love Books Tours for allowing me to be involved in this month-long read-along.

About the Author

Ruth Redford is a freelance editor and author based in Norfolk. She studied English Literature and History of Art at university and her first ever job was at Ladybird Books. She couldn’t believe that writing stories and making books for children could actually be a career! She has since worked with several publishers, including: Dorling Kindersley Books, Macmillan Children’s Books, Thames and Hudson Children’s Books, Random House Children’s Books, David Fickling Books and many more.





Latest Posts