Works-For-Me: The Lily Series

Wednesday, 19th September 2007
Books Parenting

Late last year my daughter Liz started going through the dreaded puberty. I’m not sure she was dreading it, but I sure was. You see, I grew up in a household where we didn’t talk. I remember my mom handing me a box of pads and saying, “You might need these at some point.” I was determined to be more open with my children, but I didn’t know how. To make things even more difficult, my daughter is even more introverted than I am, and she doesn’t ask a lot of questions.

As I watched Liz’s body start to change, I knew I needed to talk to her. I just needed to figure out a way where we’d both be comfortable. Enter The Lily Series.

I first found out about the Lily Series while looking on Amazon for a book about puberty that would reflect a Godly perspective. I came across The Body Book by Nancy Rue and ordered it. The Body Book is written in a magazine style format, with questions and answers, quizzes, and even room to journal. The best part is that it’s written from a Christian perspective. Chapters include When Your Period’s a Pain, Keeping Abreast, and Don’t Trash Your Temple. Liz and I read through the book together, and we talked. Several times since then, I’ve caught her reading the book in bed. I’m glad she’s better informed than I was.

I could stop there, but I’ve since discovered that The Body Book is part of a whole series of books. Non-fiction books include The Beauty Book, The Walk-the-Walk Book, and The Buddy Book. Each non-fiction book has a fiction book that can be read in conjunction with it. The fiction books are about a girl named Lily, who struggles with the issues dealt with in the non-fiction books. I think it’s a brilliant concept, and reading these books with my daughter works for me!

For more great tips, head to Rocks In My Dryer.

11 Comments

Kandy

Wednesday, 19th September 2007 at 6:52 am
 

I LOVE that! You know I’m dealing with Katie’s body changing before my eyes…I’m definitely going to order the Body Book and look into the others as well. My girl is an avid reader and I think she’d eat this series up. Thanks for the tip!!!

Deb - Mom of 3 Girls

Wednesday, 19th September 2007 at 9:10 am
 

That’s great! We haven’t gotten to that point yet with our girls, but I’ll definitely keep these books in mind for when the time comes! :)

mom2fur

Wednesday, 19th September 2007 at 12:39 pm
 

I also came from a home where certain topics were never discussed. When I got my first period, I had NO clue what it was. I hid it for two days because I thought I was bleeding to death and that it was a really, really embarassing way to die. No kidding, I was like Sissy Spacek in “Carrie,” minus the lunatic classmates.
I had the talk with my daughter…and my boys knew what was what, too, when it was appropriate. It wasn’t uncomfortable at all, which surprised me. I guess because we never acted as if the body is something profane. It just…is.
I love the idea of a book series like this. It sounds as if it is positive and upbeat…and I bet they don’t once call a girl’s period ‘the curse.’
BTW…my older sister is the one who found out and explained it to me. Whew! I sure am glad I wasn’t dying an embarassing death!

Carrie

Wednesday, 19th September 2007 at 5:24 pm
 

Lynnae I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!!!

Jenny is Live & in Color

Wednesday, 19th September 2007 at 6:43 pm
 

I’m so glad you mentioned these! I’ve just recently noticed that my 8 year old is going to need a br* soon. Which reminded me that it’s about that time to have ‘the talk.’ I don’t know if I’m ready for my little girl to grow up!!! I was really wondering how I was going to approach it. I think this series may be just the thing! Thank you!!!

Kim

Thursday, 20th September 2007 at 6:55 am
 

thanks for the info on these books. i am going to have to find them, they sound great.

Kim

Marie

Thursday, 20th September 2007 at 2:01 pm
 

It was like that for me growing up too, pads just appeared in the bathroom one day. It was not to be discussed. My mom told me once that her mom was the sort to parade the “new woman” around and make a celebratory cake and such. Such exhibitionism mortified her, so she thought she was doing us a favor by going to the other extreme.

Mrs. Brownstone

Thursday, 20th September 2007 at 10:14 pm
 

Thanks so much for sharing these books!

~Amy

Friday, 21st September 2007 at 7:13 am
 

I had never heard of these books. So, I just put them on hold at the library! Thanks for the tip!

What do you think of the American Girl book about body changes?

~Amy

Lynnae

Friday, 21st September 2007 at 9:06 am
 

I haven’t actually seen the American Girl book about body changes. My daughter has some of the other American Girl books, and these books are similar in style.

When it came to body changes, I specifically wanted something from a Christian perspective, so I didn’t even check out the American Girl book. I’ve heard good things about it, but I can’t vouch for it personally.

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[...] generally get into books that begin with a woman having an affair.  However, I am a fan of Nancy Rue’s Lily Series for tween girls, and I’ve heard great things about Stephen Arterburn, so I thought I’d [...]