Books can help toddlers get into the idea of using the potty. The books can be both instructional and fun, and can help to reinforce the messages parents and caregivers provide to encourage children to use their potties. While most kids won't actually learn to potty train with books alone, the books can be helpful reminders. There are many good options; here are some favorites.
"A Potty for Me" by Karen Katz
This one is appropriate for babies and young toddlers. It's a simple rhyming text with lift-the-flap pictures of a child who could be male or female. The child explains that mommy bought a potty "just for me" and goes through the process of trying to get used to using it. There's othing particularly original about it, but it fits the bill.
"How to Potty Train Your Monster" by Kelly DiPucchio
For your older toddler, this is a very amusing set of 10 "instructions" about how to potty train monsters. For instance, praise your monster, don't let the monster bite the sink and, "Never, ever leave your monster alone with a roll of toilet paper!" This isn't appropriate as an introduction to potty training, but it's a fun addition later in the process.
"Toilet Learning" by Alison Mack
This one is Dr. Alan Greene's favorite potty training book. "Illustrations of fire fighters, doctors, baby sitters, and parents all going to the bathroom will delight and educate your [child]," he writes.
"The Potty Book" by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
There are two versions of this book: "The Potty Book for Girls" and "The Potty Book for Boys." The text is just about the same in both. Red-headed Hannah (or Henry) and a teddy bear provide an upbeat, energetic (and rhyming) story about graduating from diapers to "very special underwear." It is both instructional and entertaining.
"The Princess and the Potty" by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
The princess is not interested in using her potty. "This potty doesn't please me," she says. "Take it away!" Her parents try to tempt her with more interesting potties: a polka-dot one, a glow-in-the-dark one, a musical one... to no avail. She would rather keep her royal diapers. Only when she sees the prettiest pair of pantalettes in the land does she decide that she needs to learn to use the potty so she can wear them instead of her diapers. A fun, unique story that will amuse parents and little girls at the same time.
