Wesley's World
Summary
A series of books for parents and carers to read with their children designed to share personal safety messages including those of preventing sexual abuse.
Type of intervention
Book/guide
Target groups, level of prevention and subgroups
- Children and Young People (Victims) | Primary prevention | Young Children (0-5 years), Children (6-11 years), Adults (21+ years) | Male and female | Book/guide | English, Hebrew
- Communities and Families | Primary prevention | Young Children (0-5 years), Children (6-11 years), Adults (21+ years) | Male and female | Book/guide | English, Hebrew
Target population
Book 1: Wesley’s World: Wesley and His New Neighbours (aged 1.5 – 3 years)
Book 2: Wesley’s World: A Prickly Problem (3 – 5 years
Book 3: Wesley’s World: Summer Holiday (5 – 8 years)
Delivery organisation
-
Mode and context of delivery
Described by the author as ‘a springboard for discussion and further learning’, the books are designed for parents and carers to read and share with their young children.
Level/nature of staff expertise required
No professional backgrounds or qualifications required.
Intensity/extent of engagement with target group(s)
The story has a short and simple format, with colourful illustrations. Ideal for sharing with young children on an occasional basis, to reinforce key safety messages over time.
Description of intervention
The author is a social worker. The Wesley’s World books are ‘dedicated to helping parents and children learn the essentials of personal safety’, which the author conveys in a series of brightly illustrated short storybooks.
Wesley’s World: Wesley and his New Neighbours
For sharing with children between the ages of 18 months and three years, the book introduces Wesley, a happy little boy growing up in a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Through the storyline of Wesley meeting his new neighbours, the author weaves in important safety messages, including ‘my body belongs to me’ and ‘check first’ (teaching children to ask permission before going anywhere or before accepting gifts or treats from strangers or from people they know). It highlights the role of parents and carers in teaching their children these messages and provides an entertaining and colourful tool to assist in talking about issues of personal safety with them.
Wesley’s World: A Prickly Problem
In this book, Wesley encounters a ‘prickly’ situation which the author develops to raise new issues about appropriate touching in a way that is fun and accessible for young children and their parents and carers.
Wesley’s World: Summer Holiday
In this book, Wesley is enjoying a summer holiday with his friends when something happens that leaves him feeling sad and confused. The book explores how Wesley is able to talk to his mother about what has happened, even though he was told to keep it a secret. All the books contain further useful information for parents. A colourful website (address below) provides further information for parents and carers, including guidelines about how to keep children safe from sexual abuse.
Evaluations
No reviews currently.
References
https://www.helpauckland.org.nz/help-for-pre-schoolers.html
Contact details
Talking to Kids, Australia, 2010 (Publisher)
Website: www.wesleysworld.com.au
ISBN 978-0-9872307-0-6
INFORMATION CORRECT AT FEBRUARY 2021
RATING: Book