I got this book way before I started potty training with my toddler.
When he showed interest in using the potty, I thought it’s a good time to start reading about it 
“The Potty Book for Boys” tells the story of Henry, a boy who can do many things i.e. run and jump, play on the slide, brush his own teeth. He’s ready to use the potty and his parents help him.
Henry gets a BIG present, which contains his new potty where he must “pee” and “poop”. He starts by sitting on the potty with either a book, a teddy or a song!
One day, he hears the call of Nature, takes off his pants and does the job. After he’s done, he empties the contents into the toilet himself! The family call Grandma to share the good news.
Sometimes, he wets his pants (accidents) but his parents tell him it’s OK. He’s finally able to go to the potty by himself and buys his first set of underwear. The book ends with Henry saying he can do it and so can YOU too.
Henry’s story is written in an easy-to-read rhyme, with only 4 lines per page. The illustrations and story are interesting enough to sustain my then 16 months old toddler’s attention.
Since the words “Daddy” and “diaper” are not used in our household, I simply replaced them with “Papa” and “nappy” so he could relate to the story.
The best parts of the book are:
1. Reading the rhyme and following Henry’s story excitedly through the illustrations;
2. Guessing the content of the BIG present – my son would shake his head or say “No” at each question posed;
3. The family’s involvement in potty training – his parents, Grandma and Teddy
4. Henry’s parents’ understanding and assurance when he has his accidents
5. Henry’s graduation to his first set of underwear – this really sparked my toddler’s interest in trying on his own!
The only part I didn’t like about the book is the cookie illustration! I know that we can’t keep them away from him forever but my toddler recognized REAL cookies only after reading the book.
Also, I wonder how many toddlers who start potty training actually empty the contents into the toilet themselves? Potty training IS already a messy affair, without toddler’s involvement thus I felt that wasn’t a suitable illustration either.
There is a companion book to this called “The Potty Book for Girls”. Has anyone read it? How is THAT book like?
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Tags: basic concepts, parenting
I would also try potty training rewards. It worked great for our son. He loved pushing the audio push button hearing he is a Big Boy and opening and door to find a chocolate surprise. He really became involved. He was peeing and pooping in his potty within a week. Have a look and see if this would work for you.
Karen – Thanks for the fun idea but I don’t really like battery-operated items. Other Mums may like this though