Wait...That's Weird: Spotting Strange Behavior Together Paperback – February 23, 2026

Wait…That’s Weird!A Parent-Child Guide to Spotting Strange Behavior and Preventing GroomingGrooming rarely begins with danger.It often starts with attention, kindness, or special treatment, from someone a child knows and trusts.Wait…That’s Weird! helps children recognize early signs of unsafe behavior using clear language, relatable illustrations, and real-world scenarios that make prevention practical, not frightening.Created by licensed therapist and child safety expert Anna Sonoda, this illustrated nonfiction guide equips families with the tools to talk about grooming, body safety, and secrecy in ways children can understand and use.Built for PreventionUnlike traditional “stranger danger” resources, this book focuses on:Trusted adults and familiar environmentsBehavior patterns vs. scary labelsEmpowerment instead of anxietyCommunication instead of complianceChildren learn that noticing something strange is a strength and speaking up is always allowed.Interactive Learning Kids UnderstandThrough a simple game format, “CLEARED or WEIRD?”, children practice identifying safe vs. unsafe behavior across everyday settings:SchoolsSports and coachingMedical visitsFaith communitiesNeighborhood interactionsOnline messaging and social mediaThis scenario-based structure helps kids retain safety skills through repetition and visual association.Safety Skills Children BuildKids learn that safe adults:Communicate calmlyListen and take kids seriouslyExplain what they’re doingAsk permission before touch or helpRespect privacy and rolesFollow family and institutional rulesNever ask children to keep secretsWhat’s Included for FamiliesIllustrated, scenario-based learningShared language for reporting concernsConversation starters and reflection promptsParent Reading Guide with coaching scriptsBody safety and privacy educationSecrecy awareness toolsAdditional prevention resourcesThe structure supports ongoing dialogue, not just a one-time safety talk.Ideal forParents and caregiversGrandparents and extended familyEducators and school counselorsTherapists and cliniciansYouth program leadersFaith-based children’s ministriesRecommended for elementary-aged children and adaptable for classrooms, small groups, and prevention programming.Why This Book MattersResearch and field experience consistently show that grooming is mostly perpetrated by known and trusted individuals, not strangers.Prevention depends on helping children:Recognize behavior patterns earlyName what feels confusingReport without fear or shameTrust that adults will listenWait…That’s Weird! builds these competencies through story, repetition, and family partnership.Start the Conversations That Protect ChildrenWhen kids know how to notice, they know how to speak up.And when families share a common safety language, intervention can happen earlier, before harm occurs.Add Wait…That’s Weird! to your family library and turn everyday reading time into lifelong protection skills. Read more