Parenting Book List: Potty Training

Potty training is a huge milestone for kids and caregivers and while some kids take on the challenge quickly and easily, for some kids potty training can be very difficult. In my library, potty training books are some of the most asked for titles in the children’s department. The titles below are just a few of the options for looking for potty training titles geared toward kids, most of which are board books which suits the age group.

If you’re looking for more topics in my parenting series, check out Babysitting and First Day of School and there will be more coming in the coming weeks. If there’s a topic you’d like to see a book list about, please leave a comment and I’ll do my best to create one!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Parenting Book List: Potty Training

Danny Is Done With Diapers: A Potty ABC by Rebecca O’Connell, illustrated by Amanda Gulliver

Adam avoids accidents. Brianna is busy in the bathroom. Caleb is comfy and clean! Danny and his friends know twenty-six ways to be done with diapers. Rebecca O’Connell’s fun, familiar examples and Amanda Gulliver’s bright, cheery art help kids practice their potty knowledge and learn their letters, too!

Diapers Are Not Forever by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen

Learning to use the potty takes patience and practice, and this charming, straightforward book helps pave the way. Young children learn how to use the potty and why it’s time to do so, while gaining the courage and confidence to face this important milestone in their lives. When little ones learn to “do what the big kids do” (go, wipe, flush, wash their hands), they won’t need a diaper anymore—they’ll have underwear under there! Includes tips for parents and caregivers from a children’s health specialist.

Dinosaur Vs. Potty by Bob Shea

Dinosaur is absolutely 100% certain he doesn’t need to use the potty. Even when he’s making lemonade, running through the sprinkler, having a three juice box lunch, and splashing in rain puddles. See? He’s doing his victory dance. Wait—that’s not a victory dance…that looks like a POTTY DANCE! Run, Dinosaur, run! It’s potty time! Will he make it?

Duck Goes Potty by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Oriol Vidal

Little Duck learns how to go potty all by himself.

Even Firefighters Go To the Potty by Wendy Wax and Naomi Wax, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin

Clang! Clang! Clang! The fire truck is pulling out of the station. But wait! Where is the firefighter going? To the potty! Even firefighters go to the potty!

Toddlers are uneasy about toilet training. And in most cases, even if they know they have to go, sometimes they are too busy to bother. In this hilarious gate-fold story, each person–from a firefighter on the way to answer a fire alarm to a zoo keeper on the way to feed the polar bears–stops what they are doing to go to the potty. With humor and no pedantics, toddlers learn that everybody uses the potty.

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

An elephant makes a big poop. A mouse makes a tiny poop. Everyone eats, so of course: everyone poops!

Taro Gomi’s classic, go-to picture book for straight talk on all things “number 2” is back in a lovely hardcover edition, as funny, reassuring, and encouraging as ever. The concept of going to the bathroom is made concrete through this illustrated narrative that is both verbally and visually engaging.

Everyone Poops is just right for potty-training, gift-giving, and everyday reading with smart, curious readers.

Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel

This is THE potty training book. It has it all, bright graphics, simple language, fun story and an anatomically correct hero. With an edition for each gender, the book relates directly to the child, making the potty-training process relatable and easy to understand.

Potty by Leslie Patricelli

A new toddler title charts a crucial achievement. There comes a point in a toddler’s life when going in one’s diaper is only one possible option, and the question must be raised: “Should I go in my potty?”

With pitch-perfect humor and pacing, Leslie Patricelli follows the inner dialogue (sure to have little ones shouting responses) and hilarious actions of everyone’s favorite Baby, winding up with an over-the-top look of surprise and delight that will have both parents and offspring laughing out loud–“I did it!”

Potty Animals: What to Know When You You’ve Gotta Go! by Hope Vestergaard, illustrated by Valeria Petrone

Meet Wilbur, who won’t wash his hands after going potty. Wilma, who waits too long…and sometimes doesn’t make it in time. And Freddie, who’s afraid to flush. These are just a few of the preschool animals who need a little help with their bathroom etiquette!

With wit and good humor, Hope Vestergaard presents a unique “toilet basics” guide for toddlers. It covers everything from lifting the seat and closing the door to planning ahead when you’re on a trip. All told in cheerful rhyme, with hilarious illustrations, it’s a fun way to handle a serious subject.

PLAN AHEAD! DON’T WAIT TOO LONG! GO POTTY BEFORE YOU SLEEP! EXCUSE YOURSELF! KNOCK FIRST! BE SURE TO LIFT UP THE SEAT!

CLOSE THE DOOR! DON’T LOLLYGAG! NEVER FORGET TO WIPE!

WASH YOUR HANDS! ZIP AND FLUSH! ALWAYS TURN OUT THE LIGHT!

A Potty for Me! by Karen Katz

Mommy got me a brand new potty!
But I’m not ready yet!
I want to run and play.
Uh-oh, I peed in my pants.
But Mommy says, “That’s okay!”
Children will love following along and lifting the flaps to see the child play, sit on thepotty, eat, sit on the potty, sleep, and then sit on the potty…until finally there is success.

Potty Time with Pete the Kitty by Kimberly and James Dean

Pete the Kitty walks toddlers through every groovy step for using the potty, from getting ready, to washing up—all leading up to one rockin’ celebration!

Includes 20 flaps to lift and step-by-step instructions for using the potty.

Increase toddlers’ confidence and success with this fun potty training book starring Pete the Kitty!

Time to PEE! by Mo Willems

Potty training is an adventure when introduced by celebrated children’s author and illustrator Mo Willems. With Mo’s signature wit and style, readers embark on a hilarious journey from inkling to tinkling. Featuring a crew of supportive sign-wielding mice, first-timers are amused and inspired to reach for the stars and pee.