Current:Home > Finance'Normalize the discussion around periods': Jessica Biel announces upcoming children's book -Infinite Edge Capital
'Normalize the discussion around periods': Jessica Biel announces upcoming children's book
View
Date:2025-04-12 03:29:03
Jessica Biel has written a children's book about menstruation that she hopes will encourage important conversations between kids and "their grownups," the actor has announced.
Biel's "A Kids Book About Periods" is a part of a powerful campaign started by Penguin Random House subsidiary DK to tackle sensitive topics about growing up and make them approachable for families and, most importantly, positive experiences for kids, DK wrote in a news release on Thursday.
To help de-stigmatize the topic of menstruation for young readers. Biel partnered with DK and PERIOD., a global youth-fueled nonprofit that works to end period poverty and stigma.
"People don't talk enough about periods," Biel said in a statement. "I’ve always felt strongly that we need to normalize the discussion around periods and as a parent, writing this book felt like an organic way to engage kids in the conversation from early on."
"A Kids Book About Periods" will be available nationwide on May 7, but is available for preorder now at Target and on Amazon, among others.
Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist
Biel shares the news with fans, some react viscerally
Biel shared the news with her 14 million followers on Instagram Thursday, and some had feelings.
"If we grownups have the confidence to tell the truth about how menstruating bodies work, then we’ll give the kids around us the agency and voice to talk about their own bodies with confidence, now and for the rest of their lives.‼️" Biel wrote in her caption.
But comments started flooding in over the avoidance of the word "girl" in the book.
"She said a kids book because boys need to read this too," one commenter wrote. "Boys grow up to be men and men are generally partners for women. Boys need to understand more about women’s bodies so they know what they need to protect."
Many comments reiterated the fact that the distinction should be made by Biel. "Remember that only biological FEMALES can have periods. Period. End of story," one user wrote, but support continued to roll in over the launch of the book.
"Why is everyone so up in arms about not using the word girl?" another user commented. "I taught my 4-year-old son about periods so he can one day be a supportive partner or friend to someone with a period. I wish I had this book available when I did. Everyone should understand more about periods so that girls and women don’t have to feel shame or secrecy around it."
'The enduring magic of storytime':Ms. Rachel announces new book launching with toy line
Biel shares story of first period
A few days before announcing her book, Biel shared the story of her first period on Instagram as she was getting dressed for her day.
"I was so scared,” Biel said. “I locked myself in the bathroom. I was crying hysterically, I called my mom. I told her, you know, 'Something's wrong.' That's what I felt, I felt like something was wrong with me. Even though she had prepared me, I wasn't prepared."
She added: "I managed to do everything I needed to do that day and still have my period, so pass that around."
Biel − who shares sons Silas, 8, and Phineas, 3, with husband Justin Timberlake − hopes "A Kids Book About Periods" will be an important conversation starter that encourages better body awareness and positivity around menstruating, something she didn't have when young. And for Biel, it's just as important to share with her sons.
"Getting your period is actually pretty cool, it’s one of the things we share as human beings," she said.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- The Polls Showed Democrats Poised to Reclaim the Senate. Then Came Election Day.
- Raiders' Davante Adams assault charge for shoving photographer dismissed
- Alaska’s Soon-To-Be Climate Refugees Sue Energy Companies for Relocation
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Video: Dreamer who Conceived of the Largest Arctic Science Expedition in History Now Racing to Save it
- Ireland Baldwin Reflects on Struggle With Anxiety During Pregnancy With Daughter Holland
- World Bank Favors Fossil Fuel Projects in Developing Countries, Report Says
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Pregnant Serena Williams Shares Hilariously Relatable Message About Her Growing Baby Bump
Ranking
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Sia Shares She's on the Autism Spectrum 2 Years After Her Controversial Movie
- Ryan Reynolds is part of investment group taking stake in Alpine Formula 1 team
- Ryan Seacrest Twins With Girlfriend Aubrey Paige During Trip to France
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Olivia Holt Shares the Products She Uses To Do Her Hair and Makeup on Broadway Including This $7 Pick
- Big Brother Winner Xavier Prather Engaged to Kenzie Hansen
- Taking the Climate Fight to the Streets
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Shooter in attack that killed 5 at Colorado Springs gay nightclub pleads guilty, gets life in prison
Sia Shares She's on the Autism Spectrum 2 Years After Her Controversial Movie
Full transcript of Face the Nation, June 25, 2023
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
4 volunteers just entered a virtual Mars made by NASA. They won't come back for one year.
California Bill Aims for 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2045
American Climate Video: When a School Gym Becomes a Relief Center