New book that 'aims to keep children safe from sexual abuse' is published

NSPCC Ambassador actress Natalie Dormer will voice the audio book Credit: NSPCC

The NSPCC has launched its first children's book which it says will help families have "simple conversations with their children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse".

A crowdfunding campaign took place last year which saw NSPCC supporters raise £46,440 for the project.

NSPCC Cymru says the book will help children across Wales learn about the PANTS rules:

  • Privates are private

  • Always remember your body belongs to you 

  • No means no 

  • Talk about secrets that upset you

  • Speak up, someone can help 

In the book, children will read about Pantosaurus getting a new pair of pants and Dinodad tells him that they will give him special powers. Pantosaurus then experiences a problem at school and just as Dinodad told him, his super pants give him the power to speak up.

One mother who has suffered sexual abuse herself says after doing her own research, she found PANTS a helpful support in discussing boundaries and privacy with her children.

"I think if I had this book as a child it would have opened that conversation", Sammy said.

"By making consent and teaching PANTS as part of normal life, it will likely be easier for a child to disclose. Many children may disclose to a school friend, so teaching PANTS is vital, and there's no better way to do that than this book."

Pantosaurus is the NSPCC's first children's book Credit: NSPCC

The book, written by Rebecca Girlings and illustrated by Fhiona Galloway and Jamie Nash is based on the charity's Talk PANTS campaign.

Actress Natalie Dormer, star of Game of Thrones and an NSPCC ambassador for Childline, will voice the audio book.

"It is an honour to be the voice of the Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS audio book and work with the NSPCC on their mission to fight for every childhood", Natalie said.

"I have watched my nieces & nephews respond so well to the Pantosaurus song and as a new parent myself, my thoughts have turned to how important it is going to be to have these conversations".

Childline is available for young people 24/7 on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk, with the option to speak to a counsellor in Welsh.

Any adult with a concern about the welfare of a child, or wanting to report historic abuse, can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk for advice.

Read more:

Sam Warburton becomes first 'ambassador for childhood' for NSPCC Wales
Increase in reports of children in abusive homes across Wales