Kelli Dunham

Kelli’s first children’s book, The Boy’s Body Book Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU was illustrated by Steve Bjorkman (who has illustrated more than seventy children’s books including the classic Flat Stanley)and published by Applesauce Press in 2007.

The book demonstrates what happens when two of Kelli’s skills (her training as a registered nurse and comic writing ability) are combined in one project. The book’s combination of humor and information has made it popular with boys and with parents and the book has consistently been ranked in the top ten its category on amazon.com.

The Boy’s Body Book addresses all the questions a boy, aged 8-12 might have about the physical, social and emotional challenges of adolescence: hygiene, exercise, teachers, peer pressure, sex, and siblings. It covers the physical topics  (vocal changes, body hair) plus other relevant issues like how to handle academic pressures, deal with out-of-control feelings, make new friends, and stay safe through it all.

With the Boy’s Body Book a definite success, Kelli penned the  The Girl’s Body Book Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU. It was published in 2008 and illustrated by Laura Tallardy.

Like The Boy’s Body Book, The Girl’s Body Book covers both the physical and emotional aspects of early adolescence. It also includes sections on getting reading for high schol, part-time jobs and even career planning. A special feature of the book is the “Notes from a Real A Real Girl” which were contributed by Kelli’s 12 year old niece Viola.