The NSPCC is launching its first children's book in partnership with Ladybird Books. Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS, written by Rebecca Girlings and illustrated by Fhiona Galloway and Jamie Nash, aims to help families have conversations with their children to help keep them safe from sexual abuse.

The book will teach children learn about the PANTS rules, which aims to keep them safe from sexual abuse. It stands for:

Privates are Private

Always remember your body belongs to you 

No means no 

Talk about secrets that upset you

Speak up, someone can help 

The book follows Pantosaurus, who gets a new pair of pants. Dinodad tells him that they will give him special powers, and when Pantosaurus experiences a problem at school, his super pants give him the power to speak up. 

NSPCC research suggests that one in 20 children in the UK have been sexually abused, and PANTS aims to give children the language they need to speak to a trusted adult. Since its launch, 1.5 million adults have already had that conversation with their children and the Pantosaurus Song has been watched more than 2.5 million times.

Margaret Gallagher, NSPCC service head of local campaign, said: "We're so excited to launch our first Talk PANTS storybook, featuring our friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus. This bright and playful picture book is perfect for reading with younger children and not only will they love Pantosaurus and his roarsome story, it's also a fantastic tool for parents and carers to spark conversations with their little ones to help keep them safe. I'd like to thank all of the generous crowd funders who helped the NSPCC create this essential book so we can empower families to talk to children about this difficult topic in an age appropriate way."

Leanne Gill, publisher at Ladybird Licensing, said: "Children are at the heart of everything we do at Ladybird, and what could be more important than keeping them safe. We're delighted to have partnered with the NSPCC to create this playful picture book which spotlights such an important message and provides a tool for parents and carers to help them talk to children about a challenging topic."

Actress and NSPCC ambassador Natalie Dormer will voice the audio book. The book is available now following a crowdfunding campaign last year which saw NSPCC supporters raising £46,400 for the project.

Copies can be bought from Matalan selected stores, Matalan.co.uk, selected Blakemore Retail SPAR stores or the NSPCC shop.

Buy your copy here