My Body Is Special
by LaKeesha Walrond
By Dasia Ali
The difficult topic of child abuse is explored with sensitivity and care in the picture book My Body Is Special by Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond. Written for children ages six to seven, the book is designed as a shared reading experience between parent and child, giving families the words and framework to discuss an often uncomfortable subject. At its heart, the story acknowledges the confusion and curiosity a child might feel when faced with inappropriate behavior from a trusted adult or peer.
This book is part of the “Let’s Talk About It” series, published by BookBaby, a collection of resources created to help children and adults navigate difficult but essential conversations. The series includes both books and workbooks that emphasize personal safety, relationships, and emotional well-being. Its mission is to empower individuals with tools, knowledge, and confidence to handle challenges while promoting healthy communication. By situating My Body Is Special within this broader series, Dr. Walrond underscores the importance of making these conversations ongoing and normalized in families.
What makes My Body Is Special particularly effective is its warm and approachable tone. The story begins with a friendly introduction: “My name is Eva. I am six years old. My mommy told me something that I want to tell you.” Through Eva’s voice, young readers encounter a character who feels like a peer, guiding them through the lesson of bodily autonomy in a way that is both reassuring and relatable.
As Eva learns from her mother about the importance of respecting her body, she is also given practical tools to help prevent situations of abuse. The story, paired with bright illustrations of Eva’s happy family and vibrant daily life, softens the heaviness of the topic. Rather than instilling fear, the book offers empowerment. It makes an intimidating subject accessible to children without stripping away its seriousness.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it challenges the conventional wisdom of only teaching children to fear strangers. While stranger danger is a real concern, harm can also come from individuals children admire and trust. This reality, though difficult for parents to acknowledge, is crucial for children to understand. My Body Is Special helps address the false sense of safety that sometimes surrounds familiar faces, providing children with the language to express discomfort even in trusted settings.
Parents often struggle with when and how to introduce serious lessons in life, especially around sensitive topics like abuse. Tools that break down complex issues in a developmentally appropriate way are invaluable. Dr. Walrond’s book does just that, creating a bridge between parent and child, opening doors to dialogue that might otherwise remain closed.
Beyond its function as a resource for children, the book is also a reminder to parents of their responsibility to create safe spaces for honest conversations. Reading My Body Is Special together becomes an act of trust-building. It models how parents can listen without judgment and respond with empathy when their child expresses uncertainty, discomfort, or fear.
Rev. Dr. LaKeesha Walrond’s credentials bring further depth to the work. A renowned educator, preacher, and author, she currently serves as Preaching Pastor at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Michael A. Walrond Jr., who is Senior Pastor. Her leadership extends beyond the church, as she is also the founder of the Getting to Greatness Women’s Conference, a transformative gathering that empowers women through leadership development and spiritual wellness.
Dr. Walrond’s academic achievements reinforce her credibility as both an educator and advocate. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education and Literacy, as well as multiple graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Union Theological Seminary. These accomplishments highlight her deep commitment to education, empowerment, and spiritual guidance—values that shine through in My Body Is Special.
Ultimately, the book is more than just a story; it is a teaching tool, a conversation starter, and a lifeline for families seeking guidance. In blending storytelling with lessons of safety and self-respect, Dr. Walrond has created a resource that addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing children today. My Body Is Special offers children the knowledge they need and parents the courage to guide them, ensuring that even the most difficult conversations can be approached with love, clarity, and hope.
