Book Review
Short Summary
Matilda Learns A Valuable Lesson was written by Holly-Ann Martin for kids aged 4 to 10. It’s the 1st in the series of books by Holly-Ann about keeping kids safe in different settings. As a protective behaviour expert, she uses her knowledge and experience to lay down the foundations that will help keep kids safe.
What This Book Is About
The book tells the story of Matilda. One day, her mum tells her and her siblings that they’re going to Uncle Charlie and Auntie Rose’s house. But Matilda doesn’t enjoy going there because she hates how Uncle Charlie scrapes his whiskers over her face. She also doesn’t like it when he takes his false teeth out when he tries to kiss her. In fact, Matilda hates it so much that she would sometimes do something naughty just to get out of going there.
It’s a good thing that Miss Martin, Matilda’s teacher, talks about protective behaviour in class one day. She teaches them about:
- Kids have to feel safe all the time.
- What is unwanted touch
- Kids can talk to someone when something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Keep persisting until you are safe
Reflection and Comments
Through Matilda’s story, the author gives early warning signs to look out for.
She also emphasises the importance of persistence. A lot of victims of child abuse go unreported because sometimes, the 1st time the victim tells someone, they are either not listened to, or not believed in. That’s why in the book, Miss Martin says that if the first person you talk to won’t listen, find someone else to tell. Eventually, the right person will listen, believe, and do something about it.
As with all the other books in this series, Holly-Ann leaves notes at the back for parents, carers and counsellors on how to talk to kids about these topics. She also shares the main principles to remember so that adults have a guide to protect their kids, know what to ask them and do.
Buy a Copy of This Book
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