Hugs and Kisses was written as a tool for parents to help them speak to children about abuse. It should be used as such.
Professional Reviews
Recommended
Hugs and Kisses
Author: Mary Muhammad
Publisher: Amazon/Create Space
ISBN: 978-1440468261
“Hugs and Kisses” by Mary Muhammad includes some beautiful
illustrations by MJ Daley-Prado, and deals very gently with the
less beautiful events in a young girl’s life. It provides a fitting and
wise introduction to the subject of child sex abuse, and to the fact
that the perpetrators are all too often not strangers. The book is
written in two sections, and as I finished it I found I really wished
there were a third. I liked the way the first section was structured
round the question of why one child gave so many hugs and kisses
while another didn’t, though I occasionally mixed up the children.
A particularly excellent illustration accompanies the child asking
her aunt, “What are my private parts?” The second section then
deals very simply and realistically with a situation in which abuse
can arise.
Simple questions and answers at the end of each section help
parents to talk with their children about what they’ve learned, and
how they feel about what they’ve learned. I was pleased to see a
reminder here that a child does not need to stop showing affection.
That said, this would make a good starting point for families to
discuss issues that are all too often left to chance, and to provide
their children with a safe understanding of what is and is not
appropriate when hugging and kissing. Hugs and Kisses was a
short, simple, child-friendly, and wise little book that I would
certainly recommend.
Reviewer: Sheila Deeth
Published author tackles difficult subject of child abuse
By Clayton Hardiman
chardman@muskegonchronicle.com
The upcoming Mary Muhammad book signing held at the Muskegon Heights Public Library was about literature and more.
Muhammad who has recently published a trio of books, including a debut book of poetry, was on hand Oct.20th at the Muskegon Heights branch Library to sign copies of her books. She was also joined by representatives of the Child Abuse council of Muskegon, to draw attention to a generation of children under siege.
“The message from our perspective was tips to families about how to prevent child abuse. Spoke Mrs. Colella, the executive director of the Child Abuse Council. It was the first book signing for the budding new author. Muhammad’s poetry collection, titled “Echoes of an Era,” features free style poetry, which covers a variety of topics including poverty, spirituality, addiction and love from a Child's eyes. Another book called “The Story Box” A Collection of Adventure” is a “Fun book.” Muhammad says, a collection of short stories for children. But the third book titled Hugs and Kisses,” was written in story form, as a tool to help parents talk to children about sexual abuse, and the facts say that is a growing seriousness and alarm. Consider these statistics from Darkness to Light, a non- profiting resource organization seeking to fight child abuse through raising public awareness and education.
*One in four girls are sexually abused before age 18
*One in six boys are sexually abused before age 18
* Nearly 70 percent of all reported sexual assaults occur to children
More than 30 percent of the victims never disclose the experience to anyone.
Most children don’t tell even if asked. Colella appeared at the book signing, with other Child Abuse council representatives, to help educate families about how to prevent abuse.
The organization utilizes a seven step system offered by Darkness to light. It is available online at the organizations web site at D2L.org
Among the steps are “Learn the facts”, Minimize opportunity and talk about it.
Ms. Muhammad’s book “Hugs and Kisses” emphasizes the third step. It tells the story of two young girls who are friends. One of the girls has been sexually abused. In the story she confides in her friend.
Muhammad’s book signing was arranged through the Friends of the Muskegon Heights Public Library. Muhammad said she wanted to raise awareness about the specter of child abuse.
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