Once Upon A Potty (Book)

Frankel, A. (1979). Once upon a potty: Boy. New York, NY: HarperFestival. [48 pages]. ISBN: 0-694-
01387-0
Frankel, A. (1980). Once upon a potty: Girl. New York, NY: HarperFestival. [48 pages]. ISBN: 0-694-01388-9

Interest Level: Ages 4 and under
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Toilet Training, Anatomy,

Plot: The book explains that the child in the book (boy or girl depending on the version) has different body parts for different functions.  The pictures show anatomically correct pictures of a boy or girl.  The book explains that the child has always been going "pee-pee" since they were a baby but now are learning to use the potty.  The potty is actually a pot that was given as a gift.  The tone of the book encourages children to not get frustrated by mistakes and to be proud and happy when they finally learn to use the potty correctly.

Personal Thoughts: The text is simple, narrated from the mother’s point of view, and uses some baby language such as “wee-wee” and “poo-poo” to describe bodily functions.  The wording is a bit awkward or maybe just old fashioned at some points.  The strength of this book comes from the anatomically correct drawings.  Not my favorite toilet training book, but still useful to parents looking for help.

Author's Website: Alona Frankel's Website for Joshua and Prudence
Other Books by the Author: Prudence's Goodnight Book (2000); Joshua's Book Of Manners (2000); I Want My Mother (2000);