Samuel Learns to Yell and Tell by Debi Pearl

You may have read in the local newspaper or seen on TV issues about the growth of child molestation. While some comfort themselves thinking these concerns are not directly affecting their children, the sad fact is that many adults can do humiliating acts to innocent children and then threaten them to tell no one. We parents sometimes feel that our world is no longer safe for our child to go out and enjoy its beauty.

The book Samuel Learns to Yell and Tell by Debi Pearl explains how sexual molestation can happen to any child and how a child, in his own way, can prevent this defilement from occurring. Five specific instances where sexual corruptions can happen are illustrated and a child’s proper response to each incident is all exemplified in the book. Every parent and child will love the attractive full-color pages and though not a pleasant topic - also learn more about child sexual abuse and its prevention in a poetic presentation.

The plot focuses on a mother and her child, Samuel, discussing the five different ways child sexual debasement may occur in Samuel’s life in the future. In turn, Samuel is taught by his mother, how to prevent these things from happening in his life.

The first example is when a playmate shows Samuel his privates and even entices Samuel to show his. The second incident happens when a friend or even a family member tries to molest Samuel secretly and persuade him never to tell. The third occurrence is the temptation to engage or welcome pornography. The fourth is similar to the first but involves an older boy inviting Samuel to show each other’s privates while threatening if he tells. Lastly, it is the lustful ideas that may enter the fragile mind of Samuel as he grows older.

Basically, the mother teaches Samuel to run and yell and tell when any of the five situations happen in his life. He is never to keep anything in secret or be afraid of any threats but in all cases, simply tell his parents what happened.

To some, it may be enlightening that a parent should have to train their child how to be open and prevent damaging things from occurring in their child’s life. But good prevention always starts with proper training since children are very vulnerable. It is best to encourage them that trust and support is always available in the family and that openness guards against evil doings.

The full color pages of Yell and Tell clearly tell every parent the importance of training their child in order to protect them. A letter to parents is included in the end explaining to them ways that child molesters can come into our lives and how never to trust them. Of course, we should not lose trust on people coming to our lives. Instead, we must always teach our child that in case something strange is happening to them, they simply have to yell and tell.