17 Potty Training Books For Toddlers
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For many toddlers using a potty is a scary prospect, often causing lots of anxiety, tantrums and tears. However, it doesn't have to be this way.
We have gathered 17 of the best potty training books that are designed to encourage kids to enjoy going to the bathroom, whether that's with a story, a song or a laugh.
Different from potty training books for parents, these toddler books about potty training teach children to lose their fear of the dreaded the potty, replacing anxiety with a sense of adventure as they head to the bathroom!
Image © Andersen Press
I Want My Potty (Little Princess) by Tony Ross
This is a brilliant kids book which focuses on giving kids positive messages about bathroom training, and it has become a much-loved classic in the more than three-decades since it was first published . A princess starts to think that nappies are 'YUUECH!'
and so starts to look for a better alternative. Although the royal potty isn't an immediate hit with the princess, through trial and error, the little princess learns to love it.
Image © Walker Books
Potty by Leslie Patricelli
An easy read that is illustrated with bold, bright drawings 'Potty' is a brilliant board book that describes the thoughts and actions of a baby, as he wonders: 'Should I go in my potty?'
Designed to encourage your little one to go to the bathroom, this is one of the best potty training books that may result in your little one feeling more excited about toilet training.
Image © HarperFestival
Sam's Potty by Barbro Lindgren
'Can doggy sit on Sam's potty?' asks this funny, charming picture book that follows Sam as he goes through the toilet training process. At the beginning of the story, Sam is not too keen on his potty, that is until his dog wants to use it, after which Sam learns to love it too...
Image © Boxer Books
Nappy Duck And Potty Pig by Bernette Ford
This read-aloud storybook gets toddlers excited about transitioning from nappies to the potty. In the story, the duck wants to play with the pig, but the pig can't because he is on the potty.
So, the duck wonders how he might be able to be as grown up as the pig. This cheerful story is easy to read and will help your baby want to move on to the next step.
Image © B.E.S Publishing
Uh Oh! Gotta Go! Potty Tales from Toddlers by Bob McGrath
This book has 27 short stories all about different children as they learn to use the potty. The stories help make both parents and toddlers less stressed about toilet training, reminding the reader that everything will be fine in the end, and that everyone makes mistakes and has accidents along the way.
Kids may find it comforting to read about other children who have gone through the same potty journey.
Image © Abrams Appleseed
Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman
One of the best potty training books for encouraging your baby to leave behind their nappy in favour of 'big kid' pants, 'Vegetables in Underwear' is a silly, colourful and cheerful.
The lovely illustrations show lots of different vegetables, all of whom are proudly displaying their underwear, showing off in front of the baby vegetables who are still wearing nappies.
Kids can read-along with the catchy, rhyming words as they get closer to swapping their nappy for the potty.
Image © Firefly Books Ltd
Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel
This potty book is a classic amongst parents, with anatomically-correct illustrations and age-appropriate text. Now available as a sturdy board book, there is a version for boys and another for girls. This popular potty train book has been designed to act as a guide and teaching tool for your toddler during toilet training.
A potty book in the truest sense, 'Once Upon a Potty' is meant for parents to read whilst their little on is on their potty, or handed to the child to look through whilst they're in the bathroom.
It makes using a potty more easy to understand, as well as creating a fun and colourful diversion for trips to the bathroom.
Image © Ladybird
Pirate Polly's Potty/Pirate Pete's Potty: Potty Training for Boys and Girls by Andrea Pinnington
Another potty training book that has two versions, one for boys, one for girls, they are designed to make toilet training more interactive, fun and rewarding. The book comes complete with a 'cheering' sound effect, which parents can press whenever their child successfully uses their potty.
Image © Walker Books
Skip To the Loo My Darling by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Illustrated by Anita Jeram, who was responsible for the touchingly beautiful drawings in the classic children's story 'Guess How Much I Love You', this picture book aims to turn potty training into a party.
In this read-along book the rhyming text describes as lots of different animals get together for a potty party, and your little one is invited to join too.
Image © Walker Books
On Your Potty! A Story About Toilet Training by Virginia Miller
Ba is a bear who does not like his potty - and so every time he is asked, 'Do you need your potty, Ba?' he replies with, 'nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah'.
Children are sure to love joining in with this line, however, the story does encourages them to try their potty, making the toilet a non-threatening, playful place.
Image © Magination Press
It Hurts When I Poop! A Story for Children Who Are Scared to Use the Potty by Howard J Bennett
One of the best potty books for kids who get scared in the bathroom, the story follows Ryan as he learns all about toilet training and how our bodies work.
Ryan is scared to go to the bathroom because he is worried that it's going to hurt, so he visits Dr Gold, who tells him the story of Bill the Coyote and his messy house.
Dr Gold also explains how our bodies turn food into poo, and how different foods will make it harder or easier to pass. Filled with bright, cheerful illustrations, this is great choice for kids who have built up fears and anxiety.
Image © Andersen Press
Who's In The Loo? By Jeanne Willis
With a fun, catchy rhyme this story is one of the best potty training books for a house full of people, and, therefore, with a queue for the toilet. As two children wait in line to use the bathroom, they ask, 'Who's in the loo?
There's a very long queue. Is it an elephant having a poo?' With fun rhymes and bold illustrations, this story is sure to make bathroom trips much more fun.
Image © Orion Children's Books
The Pop-Up Potty Book by Marianne Borgardt
This excellent board book has lots of fun pop-up elements that will help explain to your toddler how and why they should use the potty. With colourful illustrations by Maxie Chambliss, this lovely story is a great choice for parents in search of a potty companion for their little one.
Image © Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi
The best potty training book for kids (and parents) who need to take a more light-hearted approach to the toilet training process.
'Everyone Poops' is very popular with toddlers because it is very funny, but it also teaches them that going to the toilet is a fact of life; everyone needs to eat, and 'everyone poops'.
The story takes a look at lots of different animals who are all in need of the toilet as a way of showing kids that they're not alone, and they don't need to be scared or embarrassed.
Image © Robin Corey Books
Big Girl Pants by Fran Manushkin
Even superheroes need to use the potty, and this book will make little girls more excited about wearing 'big girl pants', just like mum! Written specifically with girls in mind, this charming book is full of lovely drawings and positive messages that will motivate toddlers to want to swap their nappies for something a little more grown-up.
Image © Parragon
Potty Superhero: Get Ready for Big Boy Pants! by Parragon Books
This one is perfect for little boys who are excited to wear 'big boy pants', encouraging them to move on from nappies and to use the toilet instead. The colourful, bold illustrations follow a little boy superhero, and his doggy sidekick, as he takes the journey from nappy, to potty, to pants!
Image © Random House Books for Young Readers
P is for Potty! by Naomi Kleinberg
Perfect for kids aged 1 - 3, this informative and interactive lift-the-flap board book is illustrated with characters from the ever-popular Sesame Street. Elmo explains potty training to toddlers, breaking down the process into lots of little steps.
Elmo offers help to kids who are ready to move on to the potty or toilet, explaining when and how to use the potty, how to use toilet roll, when to flush the toilet and why you wash your hands.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in Fine Art
Rosanna RobertsonBachelor of Arts specializing in Fine Art
Rosanna is a creative and enthusiastic individual who enjoys finding ways to entertain kids through art and crafts, games, and cooking. With a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art from the Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, she brings a unique perspective to her projects, making them both colorful and educational. She is always full of ideas for homemade cards, handcrafted gifts, toys, and decorations that are perfect for children of all ages.
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