Potty talk

Filed Under Stuff, Tips & Tricks | September 30, 2008

sept30_everybodypoops

Potty training requires a delicate balance between psychological and physical readiness on your tot’s part and nerves of steel, extraordinary patience and possibly Smarties on your part.  Books can be very helpful for introducing little ones to the process or working through hiccoughs along the way.  Perennial favourites include I Want My Potty by Tony Ross, It’s Potty Time from Priddy Books and My Big Boy/Girl Potty by Joanna Cole. When you’re looking for books, search for ones that fit your family’s lifestyle, but when you’re having trouble remembering the lighter side of potty training – and there really is one – we’ve got some suggestions for book that’ll help you keep your sense of humour.

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
We love this Japanese import for its matter-of-fact approach to pooping in the animal and human world.  And though some may be a little taken aback at the picture of a Japanese adult male reading a newspaper and smoking a pipe while on the loo, the ending sums it up nicely:  All living things eat, so…everyone poops.

Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business by Werner Holzwarth, illustrated by Wolf Erlbruch
Another import, this time from Germany – why are we getting the feeling that North Americans are a little uptight about their bodily functions? -  Little Mole pops out of his hole, only to have a pile of poop drop on his head.  He heads off to find out whose “business” it is and to exact revenge.  Not for the faint-of-heart.

I Have To Go! by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
A Canadian title!  Kids will love this funny tale of Andrew who decides that he won’t go pee ever again.  Features familiar Munsch/Martchenko humour and a happy ending with Andrew and his grandpa heading off to the bathroom together.

Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Tot by Bruce Lanksy, illustrated by Anne Catharine Blake
The hills are alive with the sound of…pooping!  That’s right, for those of you who want to turn the toilet training experience into a musical, do we have the book for you.  This book/CD combo includes 17 songs and rhymes set to familiar children’s tunes.  Happy singing!

Helen Moore is yoyomama’s kiddie lit correspondent. Helen is a local children’s librarian who is the past Chair of the Canadian Library Association Amelia Picture Book Award.  She loves to bring home books from any library to share with her two young sons, ages two and four.

 

2 Responses to “Potty talk”

  1. planta potty | yoyomama on August 5th, 2009 1:13 am

    [...] the midst of toilet training and need some tips? Here’s a handy list of books that are useful for introducing your little ones to the process. Share and [...]

  2. Stephanie on July 22nd, 2010 9:10 pm

    I’m looking for some good books for parents about potty training. Any suggestions?

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