14 Best Potty-Training Books for Toddlers
As any parent of a toddler knows, potty training is as intense as it is messy. Scientists have pondered the various approaches and parents who’ve been there done that can be pretty passionate about what works and what doesn’t. Whether you decide to take it slow or go all-out commando, one thing is for certain: Nothing will happen unless your child is interested and motivated. How best to do that? During story time, take out one (or two or three) of these picks for best potty-training books. With the help of engaging narratives and happy potty-using characters, you just may be freed from the shackles of Costco-sized diaper packs soon enough!
A Potty for Me! by Karen Katz
A veritable classic among potty-training books, this pick’s positive phrases and catchy rhymes give kids the scoop on how to use the potty. And the lift-the-flap interaction just might empower them—or at least keep them entertained while they try.
Buy it: $8, Amazon.com
Potty Superhero, by Mabel Forsyth
If your little boy loves playing superheroes, then he might take a cue from the protagonist in this top pick, among the best potty-training books for boys on Amazon. Short and sweet, it tells how even superheroes need to take care of business via the potty before he can go about saving the world. If all goes well, your little one will want to pull on some big-boy pants as surely he’ll don his cape.
**Buy it: $7, Amazon.com
Potty by Leslie Patricelli
Should baby use the litter box to go to the bathroom? Um, nope. For a bit of absurd fun, this pick among the best potty-training books uses animals to demonstrate that people should use the toilet.
Buy it: $7, Amazon.com
Daniel Goes to the Potty, by Maggie Testa
Consider this pick from the pile of next-level potty-training books. Based on an episode of the highly popular PBS series, this book reminds pint-sized potty-users that if they have to go, they should go right away, even if they’re extremely busy with their Lego Dulpos. Catchy jingles will help your child take the cue from his beloved pal, Daniel Tiger. (In this case: “If you want to go potty, STOP and go right away.”) Sing along here and finish by pressing book’s button, which makes a toilet-flushing sound!
Buy it: $8, Amazon.com
Even Firefighters Go to the Potty by Wendy Wax and Naomi Wax
Does your kid look up to firemen? This fun read uses everyday heroes as potty-going role models.
Buy it: $8, Amazon.com
Princess Potty, by Samantha Berger
Another bright selection among potty-training books that encourage kids to mimic the behavior of an admired potty-user, this pick offers an all-pink princess as the waste-management role model. Little girls who love princesses and fancies herself one (meaning, all little girls) will be enchanted with how the protagonist goes from being a royal baby in diapers to a big girl using a potty (“Hear ye, hear ye, I have to pee-pee!). Comes with reward stickers too.
Buy it: $4, Amazon.com
Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
Okay, this pick doesn’t have much of a plot compared to the other potty-training books on the list, but it does clearly explain that there’s no shame in going number two. The not-so-typical concept and colorful illustrations will capture your toddler’s attention.
Buy it: $8, Amazon.com
Big Girl Panties, by Fran Manushkin
Here’s a good one to consider if you’re searching for hipper-than-usual potty training books. (And this one is perhaps among the best potty-training books for junior fashionistas). The catchy text rhymes. The illustrations are colorful and cool. The point? Once you graduate to underwear, you’ve got a whole new category of fun items to add to your wardrobe, from rainbow panties to sparkly princess ones. Who wants to deal with boring ol’ diapers when you’ve got that? Not your little fashion diva.
Buy it: $8, Amazon.com
Diapers Are Not Forever by Elizabeth Verdick
This book’s message is that potty training takes time—and that’s okay! It also includes tips for parents and caregivers (and you could use some, right?).
Buy it: $8, BarnesandNoble.com
Sesame Street: Potty Time With Elmo
If Elmo can teach kids to say the alphabet, he can teach them how to use the toilet. And what toddler won’t love pushing buttons that make sounds?
Buy it: $9, BarnesandNoble.com
Poop! There It Is! by Xavier Finkley
You may need to inject some humor to get through potty training. This pick—one of the funniest among our best potty-training books—just might give you flashbacks to the '90s.
Buy it: $10, Amazon.com
Goldilocks and the Just Right Potty, by Leigh Hodgkinson
Just when you thought there couldn’t possibly be another take on potty-training books, this one arrives just in time. The book flashes back to when Goldilocks (of Three Bears fame) was just a tiny girl in diapers. Wouldn’t you know it—she was as sassy then as she is now, the audacious big girl sampling other folks’ porridge. As kids learn how she decided she was “tired of wearing soggy diapers” and that it was “time to wear big girl underwear,” your little one may decide to do the same.
But it: $17, Amazon.com
Toilet Tales by Andrea Wayne von Konigslow
Ever see a giraffe use the toilet? Well, you will in this book! Here’s another animal-centric tale meant to teach kids that the potty is for “big kids like you.”
Buy it: $8, Amazon.com
The Potty Book by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Keeping it positive, this cute read teaches kids that using the toilet means more independence (and more time to play!), and you can get a version written for a boy or for a girl.
Buy it: $6, Amazon.com
Updated October 2017
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
