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Sometimes people do bad things. And sometimes people try to hide these bad things by creating secrets, Some secrets are bad.
Rosy and Jack are a sister and brother who have had bad things done to them. They were touched by someone in ways they didn’t like and told to keep it a secret. Rosy and Jack decided this was a bad secret. But who could they tell? And what would happen?
This is a story about sexual abuse and what can be done to stop it. This is also a picture book for anyone who needs courage to make a stand against bad things.
Few books exist that so frankly, but sensitively, invite conversations with children about staying safe and recovering from abuse.
Rosy and Jack is specialist resource for parents, children and human service workers. Children in a similar situation may be able to learn and take comfort from the experiences of Rosy and Jack. For parents, this book underscores the importance of listening to, trusting and loving their children.
Anyone who works with children who have been sexually assaulted will find this vividly illustrated story an excellent resource for creating positive conversations with kids, building their insight and understanding about their rights, easing their guilt, creating personal confidence and offering hope.
"For the kids. A story many parents and those who care for children will appreciate. Someone who lives at Rosy and Jack’s house—a character who remains rightly anonymous—has been inappropriately touching the two young children, leaving them frightened and confused. The sexual abuse is wonderfully handled in this colourful picture book, which tells children that their bodies belong to them alone and that abuse is never their fault. This book serves as prevention and a way to help ease the pain of abuse. In a word: vital."
- Shaunagh O’Connor, Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia)
"At last an honest book for children (and adults) that deals with the complexity of childhood sexual assault and dares to name this offence for what it is! The book initially presents as somewhat complex for young children. However used in a supportive therapeutic or educational context, it offers significant depth for children and families grappling with sexual assault. The concepts of secrecy, ‘acting out’ behaviours and options of ‘safe’ people are cleverly articulated, and provide a range of options for children and their parents to consider. Also explained is the counselling process, and different reactions to talking with a counsellor about sexual abuse."
- Susan Murrant, Psychologist (Australia)
"Written and illustrated by Nicole Reading in consultation with the Northern Sexual Assault Service of Tasmania, Rosy and Jack is a valuable resource for children, particularly those aged from 7-12 years. Rosy and Jack are a brother and sister who have had bad things done to them. They were touched by someone in ways they didn’t like and were told to keep it a secret. With the assistance of engaging illustrations, Rosy and Jack explores the difficult subject of sexual abuse and what can be done to stop it in a frank, yet sensitive manner. It covers the issues of bad secrets, who to tell and what will happen. Rosy and Jack is highly recommended for children as both an awareness tool as well as to assist children who may be in a similar situation. It is also recommended for parents who will identify the importance of listening to, trusting and loving their children. Rosy and Jack is further recommended for anyone who works with children to invite conversations with children about staying safe and recovering from abuse."
- Children’s Safety Australia, Book Review, Safe Start e-news, vol. 2, Summer 2008/09
"Rosy and Jack by Nicole Reading is a welcomed ‘child-friendly’ resource which helps to break down the secrecy surrounding child sexual assault. Through the use of simple text and engaging illustrations, this picture storybook enables children who have been victimised to relate their own experiences to those of Rosy and Jack."
- Judy Flanagan, Manager, Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) for the Loddon Campaspe Region, Bendigo, Victoria.
