Potty training can be a stressful and frustrating process for both parent and child, so I’m of the mindset that anything that is going to reduce the pressure, add some light humour, and actually be useful – is all good!  Kids learn from picture books and potty training is no exception.  There are a lot of books to choose from and they range from horribly boring to funny and effective!  Knowing your child and what makes them tick would be a great place to start.  From my own personal experience, comedy works with my kids.  Who doesn’t love some good potty humour, right? Having engaging characters, great illustrations and useful content are also a must. Below is a list of seven picture books that will hopefully appeal to your toddler, ease the process and maybe even make it a little bit of fun!

Pirate Potty and Princess Potty by Samantha Berger and Amy Cartwright
Pirate Potty is an adorable and comical book that covers all the steps in using the potty, including wiping and hand washing.  It is written in easy to understand pirate jargon and comes with a punch-out pirate’s hat and stickers that you can use for positive reinforcement.  The other version of this book, geared towards the princess loving toddler, is called Princess Potty.  Same idea, but with a Princess as the main character. This story also comes with a punch-out tiara and stickers. Both engaging reads that may pique their interest.

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
This story emphasizes that all living things poop and that it is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.  It is full of really cute illustrations and is a simple read but a humorous one.  Great for kids first learning to use the potty and also a good choice if you have a “reluctant pooper”.

The New Potty by Mercer Mayer
You really can never go wrong with Mercer Mayer and the Little Critters!  This cute story is a perfect balance of entertainment and instruction.  It covers all the steps in learning to use the potty including accidents and transitioning to underpants.  It is told from the older brother’s perspective while observing his little sister learn and is full of funny and bizarre potty shenanigans.  Great for boys and girls and is sure to be a favourite.

Potty written by Leslie Patricelli
Leslie Patricelli does a great job writing a simple, yet comical story that teaches little ones that there is a better way than pooping in a diaper.  Bright and bold illustrations make it a favourite among both boys and girls learning or struggling to use the potty.
Once Upon a Potty: Girl and Once Upon a Potty: Boy by Alona Frankel
These unique and funny books teach the steps for using a potty and also cover the basic body parts and their functions, which kids can find interesting and engaging (not to mention educational!).  It has cute and bright illustrations that are a tad abstract (potty looks quite different then they do now) but tend to grab the interest of kids. The author uses slang terminology like “poo-poo” and “wee-wee” that are cute but you may want to substitute more formal terminology if that’s not your thing.

About the author

Terri Dragatis is a wife, Mother of two, and a teacher. Her diverse interests and ability to turn everything into a lighthearted lesson, not to mention her witty quips and great sense of humor, make her an invaluable part of our team.

As a new parent, Terri remembers feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with the abundance of information and wished she had effective, simple and condensed reference guides that would support us, particularly with sleep training. She believes Calm Parent Sleep Routine and other resources will provide many parents with quick to access, useful information to support you throughout your parenting journey.

For Terri, balance involves spending quality time with her family in and outdoors, cooking, camping and goofing around, getting out with friends or for a date with her husband now and again, and fitting in as much as exercise as she can.