What If?

Authors: Liyana Taff & Kimberly Lee

Illustrator: Delia Razak

Synopsis: According to UNICEF’s Action to End Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation report, 1 in 8 of the world’s children (12.7%) had been sexually abused before reaching the age of 18. UNICEF also found that younger children are more likely to be abused by a family member or caregiver.

What if? is the first children’s book authored by Kimberly Lee and Liyana Taff, and illustrated by Delia Razak. The rhyming picture book which addresses the important topics of consent, personal safety and body boundaries is suitable for children between the ages of 3 to 8. With its diverse, colourful characters and beautiful illustrations, the book helps parents and educators discuss sensitive topics on body safety with children. 

“Children today are growing up in an increasingly dangerous world, and need to be made aware of their rights, agency and bodily autonomy from a young age. “What if?” is designed to help parents and educators facilitate these conversations in a manner that is both age-appropriate, and reflective of our people, customs and resources” - Kimberly Lee

According to Liyana Taff, the book’s content is guided and informed by The United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child, the Protective Behaviours Framework for personal safety and The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s (UK) PANTS rule. “We also worked with an experienced educator and child rights advocate, Thency Gunasekaran, to ensure our content is sound and relevant to the local community,” she said.