Great questions! (from both you and your kiddo!). I came across this article - http://www.washington.edu/news/2013/01/08/the-philosophical-child-a-book-for-when-your-child-asks-why-are-we-here/ - which recommends a book for parents, but that doesn't sound like exactly what you're looking for.

In terms of philosophical picture books, the closest thing I can think of would be I Wonder by Annaka Harris. You might also check out the Zen Shorts series, though I don't think any of them really address "nature of reality" type questions directly. Also, while not exactly a picture book, the book Is Nothing Something? might give you some good starting points for discussion. Big Questions for Little People is similar but aimed at slightly older kids. You're Here For A Reason could also be relevant, although maybe not philosophical in quite the way you're looking for.

You could also take "How am I alive?" in a more scientific direction - you might enjoy You Are Stardust and Older Than the Stars, or a simple introduction to evolution such as Our Family Tree. You could also explore simple books about the human body and discuss how her heart, lungs, brain, etc allow her to walk and talk and stay alive - something like See Inside Your Body or Outside-In - or even go into a bit more detail about how she got "in mom's tummy" with a book like Who Am I? Where Did I Come From? or Before You Were Born - or talk about past generations (i.e. mom came from HER mom's tummy!) with a book like Me and My Family Tree

Hope some of that is helpful - of course this is a discussion you can continue as she gets older, and there are lots of great books for older kids that more directly tackle different beliefs and ideas about why we are here.

Much of it comes from Puritanical roots. Perhaps things are different now, but when I was young, Judeo-Christian households carried a certain amount of shame associated with sex, sexual organs, and discussions about them.

More shame and discomfort also comes from society trying to paint every man as some kind of molester. This may even be the biggest factor. This is nothing more than internalized misandry that men must overcome for the sake of their daughters. But internalized misandry it is. There is also external misandry. When shopping pre-K schools for my daughter, I asked if there were any male teachers (as I prefer a balance). I was told by a female teacher that it would be considered a "safety risk" by many parents. I wanted to tell her that sexual abuse convictions of female educators have tripled in the past decade. But I noped right out of there and found a better school. That said, this is what dads face on a daily basis.

As men, it is very easy for us to internalize such blatant misandry. My example is simply one of many that we face each week. Luckily, I did not have the same amount of religious programming as my peers. I just had to face society's anti-male pressures. I can see it being more difficult for my peers who were raised in parochial schools and deeply religious homes.

It takes a mindset to say "Fuck em. This is my daughter and I am her father. We can talk about our bodies. We should talk about our bodies. There is nothing wrong, shameful or dirty about it. "

I was the first to comfortably broach the subject with my daughter. I taught her to wipe and why there is an order of operations. She would happly sing the "Down in the front, up in the back" song that I taught her. Ask her why? "So I don't get Mr. Germ and Mrs. Bacteria in my buh-gina..." Fucking hilarious! And that's exactly what the topic needs, right? A bit of child-like levity.

What has also helped me is to use books from cultures that are not ashamed of the body.

The "where did I come from" question was addressed at 2-3 years old with this one. There are some other Japanese books we used, but I cannot find them online.

Body functions

Undergarments

When they get older this one is more appropriate.

I have to admit, the more you read and talk with them about the subject, the easier it gets. I also got kids' anatomy books to go over the various systems. Using clinical terms helps remove discomfort as does talking about genitals in terms of our pets ("Sada the dog has testicles because he is a boy dog. Men and boys also have testicles just like Sada".)

Regarding inappropriate touching, I find that fathers are probably better at explaining boundaries as we are usually the ones who are more adept at setting clear and consistent boundaries for our children through fatherly discipline. Once we were comfortable discussing the body, it was easy to discuss inappropriate touches. We checked this book out from the library. Good concept, mediocre execution. This one was much better and enjoyable.

These books (and subsequent discussions) helped us set a baseline and standard in the younger years builds trust that moves on to the adolescent and pre-teen years. One of the men in our Dad's Group has a teenage daughter. He was the one who taught her daughter different ways of dealing with her period (cup vs pad vs tampon). He has a wonderful bond with his daughter that was set quite early. That guy has been a great influence on all and has helped many of us remove the shame and stigma around approaching the female body.

A few random factors.

- I grew up in a multi-generational house that had at least 2 girls and women at any one time.

- I have also had plenty of girlfriends and serious (cohabitating) relationships. One girlfriend had ovarian cysts, one girlfriend had very unusually rough 7-day periods. Of course, we discussed these things together.

- I probably found my parents' copy of "The Joy of Sex" at a bit of an early age, too.

- I was the first class in my state to have sex-ed in school. This is when I was living in America. It was very controversial, as we started as 5th graders. Many parents protested this (again, American Puritan roots).

All of these things demystified female genitals and has helped with my comfort with discussions around the female body.

A bit of a ramble. But it breaks my heart to see fathers allow terrible people to drive a wedge between them and successful parental relationships with their daughters. I am skeptical of university studies, as most seek to paint men is a negative light. Perhaps this study will be no different. But maybe this post might help some dads with their discussions and relationships with daughters.

Just released Proxy, Medical Kidnap Files #3 (suspense, available in print and Kindle)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0BGE96

Continue the stories of medical kidnap that started with Mito and EDS.

Fourteen-year-old Seth Wilcox has been admitted to the hospital forty-eight times, according to his mother’s latest social media posts, when Social Services steps in and takes Seth into care, believing his mother suffers from Munchausen by Proxy and Seth is not safe in her care.

Gabriel Tate is now a veteran in dealing with medical kidnap and reuniting children with their families. He knows Seth and his mom, Leva, a tireless mitochondrial disorder advocate. He knows he needs to get Seth back to Leva as soon as he can.

With the authorities hot on their trails, Gabriel and Renata face increasingly difficult challenges. Can they stay one step ahead of the authorities? Can they finally get Seth somewhere he will be safe?

Praise for Proxy, Medical Kidnap Files:

"Oh my goodness!!!! I need more!! I'm freaking out over here. This was my favorite out of the three."

"I didn't want to put any of [the Medical Kidnap Files] down."

"Although [P.D. Workman’s] books are fiction, they hold a remarkable amount of information."

Praise for P.D. Workman

“Every single one of [P.D. Workman’s] books has spoken to me in ways no one or almost anything else has. And I have found strength in the books I've read."

"The way that P.D. Workman writes just flows amazingly and allows the reader to get really invested in a book."

"This is one author I certainly will be looking out for, I can’t recommend it enough. A fantastic book."

My book list focus both on theme and authors. Obviously I went through a pretty depressed phase (hence all the deeply brooding novels). Still, I think that these female authors gave me a sense of empowerment in my young age by the sheer genius of their work. It was refreshing to read books by women I admired as well as for themes I was interested in.

• Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
  
• The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath (*journals and Ariel are also favorites)
  
• An Unquiet Mind - Kay Redfield Jamison
  
• Girl, Interrupted - Susanna Kaysen
  
• Prozac Nation - Elizabeth Wurtzel
  
• Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson
  
  And the book that taught me the most about sexuality and my body?
  
  
• The Ethical Slut - Dossie Easton
  
  In defense of this book, I am not poly-amorous. I really think every female should read it. Great advice on overcoming jealousy, loving your body, and enjoying your sexuality.

Jesus... I'm so sorry this happened to your little boy. I can't offer much in the way of legal advice, but if I may recommend a book: I Said No!

It's a guide written by a mother-son team, based on the boy's bad experience at a sleepover. It helps to explain to children about "keeping private parts private", and how to recognize "red flag" situations, like people bribing or threatening you or telling you to keep secrets. This might help you in your talks with your son.

You're a great mom for trying to get on top of this horrid situation... I hope you find all the help you need. ❤️

For You

My usual copy/paste guide for new readers.

For Them

All Ages (age ratings sourced from Comixology)

• The Backstagers | James Tynion IV
  
• Fable Comics | Charise Mericle Harper
  
• Fairy Tale Comics | Telgemeier, Thompson, Mazzucchelli, et al.
  
• Guinea Pig: Pet Shop Private Eye | Colleen AF Venable
  
• Hilda and the Troll, Hilda and the Midnight Giant, Hilda and the Black Hound, Hilda and the Bird Parade, Hilda on the Stone Forest | Luke Pearson
  
• Julia's House for Lost Creatures, Little Robot, Nobody Likes a Goblin | Ben Hatke
  
• Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, The Secret World of Arrietty | Yonebayashi & Miyazaki
  
• Lumberjanes | Stevenson, Watters, Ellis
  
• Marvel Age: Fantastic Four, Hulk, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Team-up | McKeever, Dezago, et al.
  
• Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four, Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Superheroes, Super Heroes (2010), The Avengers | Sumerak, Tobin, David, Bejamin, et al.
  
• Marvel Universe: Guardians of the Galaxy, Ultimate Spider-Man, Avengers Assemble, Avengers Assemble Season Two | Caramagna
  
• Mighty Jack, Mighty Jack and the Goblin King | Ben Hatke
  
• Nightlights | Lorena Alvarez
  
• Nursery Rhyme Comics | Thompson, Mignola, Telgemeier, et al.
  
• Tamsin and the Deep | Brown & Cameron
  
• Thor: The Mighty Avenger | Roger Langridge
  
• TOON books: The Shark King | R. Kikuo Johnson
  
• Zita the Spacegirl, Legends of Zita the Spacegirl, The Return of Zita the Spacegirl | Ben Hatke
  
  Ages 9+
  
  
• Adventure Time | Ryan North
  
• The Adventures of Tintin | Herge
  
• Amulet | Kazu Kibuishi
  
• Asterix | Goscinny & Uderzo
  
• Atomic Robo | Brian Clevinger
  
• Bone | Jeff Smith
  
• Five Worlds | Siegel & Siegel
  
• Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away | Hayao Miyazaki
  
• Moomin | Tove Jansson
  
• The Nameless City, The Stone Heart | Faith Erin Hicks
  
• Power Pack | Simonson, Brigman, et al.
  
• Roller Girl | Victoria Jamieson
  
• Smile, Drama, Sisters, Ghosts | Raina Telgemeier
  
• Usagi Yojimbo | Stan Sakai
  
• A Wrinkle in Time | Madeleine L'Engle
  
  Ages 12+
  
  
• DC: The New Frontier | Darwyn Cooke
  
• Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant, Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling | Tony Cliff
  
• Giant Days | Allison & Cogar
  
• Gotham Academy | Becky Cloonan
  
• The Legend of Wonder Woman | Renae De Liz
  
• Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur | Reeder & Montclare
  
• Mouse Guard: Fall 1152, Mouse Guard: Winter 1152, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard | David Petersen
  
• Nimona | Noelle Stevenson
  
• Star Wars | Aaron
  
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Eastman & Waltz
  
• Ultimate Spider-Man | Bendis
  
• Most superhero comics at DC and Marvel
  
  Resources:
  
  
• goodokbad
  
• comicbookresources
  
• comicsintheclassroom
  
• ilovelibraries
  
• pastemagazine
  
• /u/urko37’s [Recommendation] “What comics are good for my kids?”
  

My kid is absolutely bonkers for Smile, as are most kids in the early grades. It won an Eisner so it's apparently very good.

Also I highly recommend Jem and the Holograms. The first issue was free on Google Play and my kid practically begged me for the rest of the series.

Plus others have mentioned Adventure Time comics, I think there was a Marceline and Princess Bubblegum mini a while back.

http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Roald-Dahl-ebook/dp/B00F9F0TV6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420691549&sr=1-1&keywords=roald+dahl+boy

http://www.amazon.com/Code-Book-Science-Secrecy-Cryptography-ebook/dp/B004IK8PLE/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1420691613&sr=1-1&keywords=the+code+book+simon+singh

"Boy" is probably "beneath" your son's level and "The Code Book" is may challenge your daughter but I think that those are books that they could both enjoy, so that'd be good bang-for-buck.

I'll also recommend "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," for your son, and, maybe, some classics, like "The Swiss Family Robinson" or Jules Verne but it's difficult, not knowing anything about them (not that you should be posting detailed descriptions of your kids).

The Hilda series by Luke Pearson is really great. I think Hilda and the Troll is the first one, but I don't think they necessarily need to be read in order.

Also, all the Raina Telgemeier. She has Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts, as well as graphic novel versions of the Babysitter's Club books that are fantastic. And Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson.

Our Bodies, Ourselves 2013 is an awesome reference for her to have that will be helpful throughout puberty and afterwards. I still have my copy and check it out often.

This looks pretty good, too, and it fits her age range.

Just an idea, have you thought about wrapping the books in wrapping paper? That way it's more of a celebration than a somber occasion. Remember that if you don't want her to feel embarrassment, shame, or guilt, you should demonstrate the opposite. Read the books you got her before she does, so you two can talk about it.

I also highly recommend showing her how to use something like this app so she can easily predict her start date and symptoms for herself. There are little happy-face cartoons and it'll empower her to know how to take care of herself.

Don't feel like you need to 'challenge' him with hard stuff. If it's interesting, he'll read it. A few books I remember reading between age 10 and 14 that were enjoyable were:

• The Giver by Lois Lowry is great for young adults.
  
  
• Farenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
  
  
• Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls
  
  
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams (though to be honest, a lot went over my head the first time through - still loved it)
  
  
• The BFG, by Roald Dahl
  
  
• Boy - Roald Dahl.
  
  A lot of my friends at the time loved the Redwall books by Brain Jacques. I didn't get into them, but your son might.
  
  

A normal well adjusted person in society will always give a person the benefit of the doubt.

Obviously you may be struggling with the first bit, I'm not surprised though, you are definitely showing the signs such as playing WoW in 2018.

Anyway, here's a book that might help you. The Growing Up Book for Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know!

It was titled Boy. I read it to my son when he was about 10. We both loved it. The story about him being the seat warmer for the outhouse was the best.

>Adult Fiction:

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Grass by Sheri Tepper

Native Tongue by Suzette Haden-Elgin

Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Their Eyes Are Watching God by Zora Neale Hurtson


>Adolescent Lit:

Speak by Laurie Halse-Anderson


>Nonfiction:

The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan

And I agree with others, Simone de Beauvoir is a great read

I have a friend with an 8 year old daughter. Can speak from experience that she's addicted to these:

Phoebe and her unicorn

https://www.amazon.com/Phoebe-Her-Unicorn-Book/dp/1449446205

My Little pony comics

https://www.amazon.com/My-Little-Pony-Friendship-Magic/dp/1613776055

Smile

https://www.amazon.com/Smile-Raina-Telgemeier/dp/0545132061

Two really great books for kids that age:

I Said No! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1878076493/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495158198&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=i+said+no+a+kid-to-kid+guide+to+keeping+your+private+parts+private&dpPl=1&dpID=51ICXdtem6L&ref=plSrch

No Tresspassing: This is my Body
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0984747206/ref=pd_aw_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z9SN6SBJKMQ3CW7474TX&dpPl=1&dpID=51uOuZlHGHL

I hope these links work. I don't really know how to do them on mobile.

I've already added my two cents into this but I just thought of some books that helped me. Cut and Give a Boy a Gun were books my English teacher made a required reading once things got out of hand.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

It's a book that I think everyone should read and it's pretty short too so it's not hard to read in one sitting.

Thanks for the link, will look into this...

I have below book - I said NO...

But it doesn't cover why private parts are private!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1878076493/ref=pd_aw_sims_1?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1

ok so when I was 8 I got a book published (link https://www.amazon.ca/This-great-James-Howarth/dp/1533597510/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1522739665&sr=8-13&keywords=this+is+great%21) and I managed to get it in my public library and one day a kid from class brought it in and all the other kids where trying to read it and not talk to me about it!!!

The first few are Chahta but there are various tribes depicted, some available in both English and the given tribal language!

• The Cloud Artist
  
• Crossing Bok Chitto
  
• When Turtle Grew Feathers
  
• When We Were Alone
  
• Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher
  
• Buffalo Bird Girl
  
• Stolen Words
  
• I Am Not A Number
  
• A Day With Yayah
  
• You Hold Me Up
  
• Wild Berries
  
  Some tribes have lists online or books available in their online stores, as well, so if you’re looking for anything specific you might try that.

I found this book to be VERY helpful! It's probably a tiny bit too old for a 2 year old, but you can read it and customize the message to her age which is what I did.

https://smile.amazon.com/Said-Guide-Keeping-Private-Parts/dp/1878076493/

😆... http://www.amazon.com/Some-Bunny-Talk-Story-Therapy/dp/1433816504

ever read "i am the cheese"? this book is amazing. i put off reading it for years, even though the guy wrote the chocolate war, because i thought the title was silly, but this book is amazing. read it. and the chocolate war.

I think it's fairly normal for kids to show each other their privates, however both obviously need to be taught that it is not acceptable. Some boy showed my daughter his junk last year in Kindergarten. She told us, we told the teacher, the principal met with the child and his parents. I don't think anyone will be scarred long term by this occurrence.

Grab a book like this one from your local library and read it with your son.

There are some books written in an age appropriate way for young children that are meant to help them learn that "Private parts are private" and that it is okay to tell people if an abuser tries to make them keep a secret.
Here is one example but there are a few others out there:
http://www.amazon.com/Said-Guide-Keeping-Private-Parts/dp/1878076493/
I would highly recommend looking at some of those books and getting one that you can use with your kids to help make sure they grow up knowing they should ask for help and shouldn't be ashamed if an abuser tries to hurt them. I'm so proud of you for choosing to make sure the abuse ends with your generation.

You can get books that teach children about body autonomy and what to do when someone touches them in a way they are not comfortable with.

Some from my amazon wishlist:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0807553190

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0987186019

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0935699104

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0807594741

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982121601/

Boy.

My parents gave me a popup book about sex. It was called "who am I? Where did I come from?"
Edit: link to the book http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0307106187/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

http://www.amazon.com/Smile-Raina-Telgemeier/dp/0545132061/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418840691&sr=8-1&keywords=smile+raina

Maybe a book to read with your kid? One of these maybe:

• https://smile.amazon.com/Its-Not-Stork-Families-Friends/dp/0763633313
  
  
• https://smile.amazon.com/Said-Guide-Keeping-Private-Parts/dp/1878076493

Counterfeit Son, maybe.

http://www.amazon.com/Counterfeit-Son-Elaine-Marie-Alphin/dp/0142301477/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406904992&sr=8-1&keywords=counterfeit+son

Hm, the only other one I can think of is Endgame by Nancy Garden.

Do you remember anything else about it?

Also this book. I recommend it to EVERYONE, because you just never know.

Some Parts are NOT for Sharing https://www.amazon.com/dp/1606966030/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yHTNBbYYZKFW2

I read this when I was about 12. I remember being mesmerized by it, and now I've forgotten the plot completely. Maybe I'll pick it up again. Another book that got me in a similar way at a young age was an unheard of book that I stumbled upon in the middle school library, The Keeper of the Isis Light. I don't remember that one either.

Here are a couple of books to get the conversation started with young kids:

I Said No! A Kid-to-kid Guide to Keeping Private Parts Private https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878076493/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_h99xzbWBYE121

Do You Have a Secret? (Let's Talk About It!) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764131702/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_M-9xzb7PWXC7N

Your Body Belongs to You https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807594733/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_e.9xzb64WRCE9

Dahl is also known for writing several very detailed accounts of corporal punishment in the autobiography of his school days, which had a, errr, formative effect on many kinksters.

I'm so sorry about your neighbor, and that you're feeling so scared right now. That is the WORST!

As the top commenter mentioned, though, the overwhelming majority of crimes against children are committed by people who know the child. What happened to your neighbor was extremely rare. Where safety is concerned, it's very important to teach kids to stay in sight of a trusted adult when out and about, and to emphasize lessons about their right to their boundaries, consent, and listening to their instincts when in any situation with another person, no matter how well they think they know that person. If they are in a situation that starts to feel uncomfortable, they should say so (if possible), and/or find a safe way to leave it.

This book, linked below, is a great one to use with kids. It's in very kid friendly language, and it's a read-aloud style book that can help you facilitate a good conversation. It talks specifically about keeping private parts private/ trying to prevent sex abuse, but the strategies are applicable to any situation that feels uncomfortable, or any kind of violence.

http://www.amazon.com/Said-guide-keeping-private-parts/dp/1878076493/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

>the hell of having to use an outdoor farm loo in winter

This is completely off-topic, but this line reminded me of a part in Roald Dahl's autobiography Boy. He attended Repton in the 30s and as an underclassman was subjected to terrible treatment by the upperclassmen. One of his duties was to warm the latrine seat in the outdoor lav (by sitting on it himself) before the upper boys came for their daily constitutional. Then he was caned if the seat was not warm enough for their liking. I think that sounds like hell.