POTTY TRAINING. These two simple words release butterflies in the stomach of every parent of young children. Even 7 years out, a flood of memories arrive- sitting on cold bathroom floors, emergency pull-overs on the highway, and desperately struggling to wrestle the carseat cover back on after washing.
To arm yourself before Battle Fatigue Hits try a few of these potty training books for the whole family!
Gotta Go? Potty training books that teach the basics.
Once Upon A Potty by Alana Frankel
This is probably the classic of potty training books for young ones. First published in 1999, its 4th reprint is due out Summer 2021! Bright illustrations, anatomically correct characters, and a simple fun storyline will make this a bathroom fixture.
Goldilocks and the Just Right Potty by Leigh Hodgkinson.
The classic fairytale of Goldilocks perfectly demonstrates typical potty-anxiety. Goldilocks needs a potty and new undies that are just right before she’s ready to let go of her diapers. Vibrant mixed media illustrations hit just a just right whimsical tone, too!
Potty by Leslie Patricelli.
All of Leslie Patricelli’s books seem to perfectly channel the toddler zeitgeist. Potty is no exception. Simple bold illustrations match the simple inner-dialogue of our potty trainer. You and your child will cheer along as our toddler announces, “I Did It”!
A Potty For Me!
by Karen Katz.
Karen Katz has become a fixture in the children’s board book world. Her delightful, rhyming, lift-the-flap books always delight young children. This “instruction manual” will sure to be a hit!
How To Pee by Dr. Todd Spector Illustrated Agree Chung.
Family physician, Todd Spector, wrote these silly but instructional books to ease the power struggle. The images and story are gender-conventional but families have told me these are the books to break the potty battles.
It’s all about the undies..
Let’s be honest. Whether you are two or thirty-two, the comforts and style of our undies will make-or-break our day. Nothing will get your little ones excited for undies faster than some super-silly stories. Break up the potty power-plays with some of these belly laughs instead.
Something’s Wrong: A Bear, a Hare and Some Underwear by Jory John, Illustrated Erin Kraan.
Master author’s newest book is due out this month, and you won’t want to miss it! This is a hysterical story of days gone wrong, and friendship to help us through.
Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera.
This interactive book humorously reinforces the message- underwear must fit the wearer. The Japanese design team has won the hearts of many a picky underwearing toddler.
Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman.
Do vegetables need undies? Not sure? Well, let Chapman explain to you how essential these garments are to even the tiniest little pea…
I Say Ooh You Say Aah by John Kane.
I read this interactive potty training book to a kindergarten class over zoom a few months ago. So much fun for us all. Your child brings hilarity and joy into the sport of underwearing with HeeHaw the donkey.
These links will take you to indiebound.org but also ask your local librarians or bookseller. Consider G.Willikers, RiverRun Bookstore, or Water Street Books for more suggestions! There is truly a potty training book for everyone!
