Nonnie Talks about Consent

The Nonnie Series addresses challenging topics for children and adults with kindness and respect. The idea of consent is too often relegated to adult conversations; children hear and listen to adult words and are often confused. Consent is more than sex or adult relationships; teaching people the concept of consent as children and young people can lay a foundation for communication and healthy relationships. The two main characters in The Nonnie Series, Tamika and Alex, learn about setting boundaries, respecting little people during tickling or play, sharing feelings and vulnerability, ways to talk about older relatives who kiss and pinch cheeks, and dealing with crushes. Along the way, the children’s friend Hailey discloses unwanted touch and Nonnie guides the children to an awareness of their own self-worth. They discover the power of “owning their no” and the reality that yes means yes. Created for adults and children in grades 3 – 8, Nonnie Talks about Consent seeks to inspire dialogue between child and adult while modeling respect and kindness.

Nonnie Talks About Gender

Do today’s children have questions about gender? Of course! Nonnie Talks about Gender seeks to open the door to parent/child communication by addressing potentially complicated and controversial issues with sensitivity and warmth. Alice Burroughs’ lovely illustrations form the backdrop for the story of two best friend, Alex and Tamika, as their many questions about gender are answered by Alex’s grandma, Nonnie.

Gender, gender roles, and gender identity are explored while reinforcing the need for respect and empathy while dealing with difference. The book is interactive. It is divided into brief chapters that allow readers to pause and consider each lesson. A parent/teacher/trusted adult guide, glossary and resources are included.

Nonnie Talks about Puberty

The Nonnie Series seeks to open the door to parent or adult/child communication by addressing potentially complicated issues with sensitivity and warmth. In Nonnie Talks about Puberty, Dr. Podgurski looks at growing up through a wide lens. Her inclusive language validates all children, regardless of gender or gender identity. Adult support is vital during puberty; children who are gender non-conforming need support as well. 

All children will benefit from the kindness in this book. Children who are not questioning their gender or who are cisgender (their body parts match their gender identity) will grow in empathy from these gentle lessons. Children who are gender non-conforming or gender fluid will find a safe place for learning. The Nonnie Series believes Each Person is a Person of WorthTM!

Nonnie Talks about Death

How do caring, empathic adults discuss the topic of death with children? The Nonnie Series seeks to open the door to parent or adult/child communication by addressing complex issues with sensitivity and warmth. In Nonnie Talks about Death, Dr. Podgurski looks at the vital, life-affirming, universal topic of death with openness, care and grace. As a former pediatric oncology nurse and a hospice nurse, Dr. Podgurski connects experience with her developmentally appropriate, wise approach to reaching children. 

Her inclusive language validates all people and responds to the questions children often cannot articulate and adults may not know how to answer. Nonnie Talks about Deathapproaches death from a unique perspective. First, the sudden, unexpected death of a beloved pet is addressed.The children in the series, Tamika and Alex, discuss grief with Nonnie and explore their feelings. Then, Tamika’s grandpa, her Abuelito, becomes ill. His illness is serious. Nonnie connects the children with Alex’s Aunt Lisa. She is a palliative care physician. They learn about one of the ways a life can end; slowly, and with caring people surrounding the sick person. In time, Tamika’s grandfather dies. The children learn about funerals and traditions. Tamika experiences loss and sorrow. Nonnie Talks about Death tackles Tamika’s big question about what happens after death by interviewing Nonnie’s friends and asking each friend about their belief system and death. Based on Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s friends in real life, and beautifully captured by her talented Illustrator, Alice M. Burroughs, this technique allows the children a unique opportunity – to go on a “quest” for knowledge. They grow as people as they respectfully seek answers to one of life’s biggest question. The Nonnie Series believes Each Person is a Person of WorthTM! Nonnie Talk about Death continues the tradition of seeking wisdom with respect. All children will benefit from the kindness in this book. Trusted adults, parents, and the children they love will find a safe place for learning here.

Nonnie Talks about Race

How do caring adults discuss the topics of race and racial justice with children? The Nonnie Series seeks to open the door to parent or adult/child communication by addressing potentially complicated and controversial issues with sensitivity and warmth. Alice Burroughs’ lovely illustrations form the backdrop for the story of two best friends, Alex and Tamika, as their many questions about race are answered by Alex’s grandma, Nonnie, with the help of her two friends, Marti and Renee.

Nonnie Talks about Race features the character of “Nonnie” as she acknowledges her role as an ally, explains white privilege, and seeks the wisdom of her friends, who are women of color, to help guide the children. The book is interactive. It is divided into brief chapters to allow readers time to pause and consider each lesson. A glossary and resources are included.