How to Pee--Potty Training for Boys

February 15, 2015
Sure, potty training is important, but how many books emphasize how to urinate with style? Family practitioner Spector explains that he and his wife potty trained their son using the "free style" method. Translation: Costumes optional. Moved to inspire others, he offers this minihandbook highlighting 10 different styles from which a boy can draw inspiration. There's "Rocket Style," which involves a countdown to "blast off"; "Superhero Style," in which the valiant urinater defeats a villainous square of toilet paper with proper aim; and "Firefighter Style," in which the stream is put to good use extinguishing an imaginary potty fire. For all these and more, wardrobe changes and props are encouraged. Naturally some styles are stronger than others. "Magic Style" makes perfect sense, while "Mommy Style" (in which the child presumably imitates his mother and complains that the toilet seat is up) is just a cheap joke. Parents who would rather their kids not pee outside may wish to avoid "Free Style" and "Waterfall Style," both of which turn the great outdoors into a boy's personal lavatory. Illustrator Chung treats the material with suitable razzle dazzle, imbuing his hero with the heart and soul of a performer while never showing a single penis. A note to parents and a list of basic potty-training rules at the end make this a touchstone for the anxious. The lesson is clear: Pee with flair. (Picture book. 2-4)

January 1, 2015

PreS-Spector, a family physician, approaches toilet training with humor in this unconventional picture book guide. Addressing only boys and their parents, he recommends many playful styles of peeing-as a firefighter, superhero, rock star, and more. These can involve props or simply a child's or a parent's creative banter. Some parents may object to the "Free Style" recommendation to pee outdoors "anywhere, anyplace, anytime," and "Mommy Style" (sitting down on the toilet) might seem sexist to others. This title is not for every family, but some will find it funny and helpful. Of particular usefulness, even for parents of girls, is the author's note; the advice here is credible and reassuring. Spector's six rules are spot-on for those who accept the no-pressure approach to potty training. Rendered in acrylic paint, the illustrations skillfully capture the text's amusing tone. The child depicted here is older than the toddlers in most potty training picture books, and parents of three-year-old boys might welcome seeing an older child learn to become diaper-free. An unusual but intriguing offering.-Maralita L. Freeny, District of Columbia Public Library

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2015
Preschool In a series of step-by-step scenarios, this playful approach to toilet training suggests that young boys be encouraged to adopt personas such as a firefighter rushing to put out a blaze, an astronaut blasting off, or a superhero aiming to Get the bad guy! drawn on a square of toilet paper. Though urination is the focus, two alternatives are sit-down techniques that would also serve for number two: Cowboy Style, with a loud Pee-haw! and a gender bending Mommy Style. The author, a family practitioner, even includes a Free Style break for the out-of-doors. In his advisory notes to parents, he recommends dropping the diaper sometimes and forgiving the occasional accident. Unfortunately, the cartoon art is not so venturesome and the same Anglo lad is used throughout. Despite an obvious direction to Raise your magic wand for Magic Style, all pee issues from behind angles or props with no actual penis in sight. Still, a promising strategy that fosters imagination skills along with an important physical one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)