We all want to find that perfect potty book that helps put our child on the road to potty training success. It may be a loooong road (at least that’s my experience), so it’s helpful to have a variety around to both inform and entertain. Here are my recommendations for potty books that have the perfect blend of information, wit, humor, motivation and encouragement to inspire all those trips to the potty (M&M’s may help too).
Potty by Leslie Patricelli: Cute and entertaining, this board book encourages a conversation about the potty process because it has minimal text. A gender neutral child witnesses a dog and cat “going” and decides to try using the potty. I love the potty dance scene where the child is trying to hold it. Then, after some time, the child realizes she is successful and there is a happy parade scene with mom, dad, cat and dog.
Even Firefighters Go to the Potty by Wendy and Naomi Wax: This is a lift-the-flap story that shows different professionals -firefighters! doctors! zookeepers!policemen! waiters! and more- stopping their work to use the potty. It totally normalizes the fact that we all have to go. It’s mostly funny and entertaining, with cartoonish illustrations. It is clearly focused on boys, with one female professional featured, but most characters are sitting down versus standing up.
The Potty Train by David Hochman and Ruth Kennison: This book has gotten criticism for it’s abstract portrayal of potty use, so if your child needs an instruction book only, you’ll want to skip it. I think it’s a fun read-aloud and addresses the issue with creativity and enthusiasm….Besides, with lines like “Chugga Chugga Poo Poo!” who can resist?
A Potty for Me! by Karen Katz: I love this author, and her portrayal of the child that could be either boy or girl. This book is has bright illustrations and rhyming text along with “lift the flap” pages. My 3 yr old son actually memorized the lines and sometimes recites them along while I’m reading. I like that it shows several “false alarms” while trying to use the potty. I love the ending with the child exclaiming “I’m so proud of me!”
My Big Boy Potty by Joanna Cole (also: My Big Girl Potty): A boy named Michael learns to use the potty. This gem is very informative, supportive and encouraging. I like that it shows both parents being very involved and completely calm. I admit though, it’s annoying when Michael poops and pees in the potty at the same time, setting the potty bar pretty high for those just learning the basics.
itty bitty 