I Use the Potty

December 7, 2015
The allure of being a “big kid” is a time-honored way of encouraging children to move out of the diaper phase, and van Lieshout (Hopper and Wilson Fetch a Star) makes exuberant use of the tactic in one of two books launching the Big Kid Power series (Bye-Bye Binky is available simultaneously). A boy with spiky black hair narrates, and he couldn’t be readier to distance himself from his baby days. “I pooped and peed in so many diapers,” he explains, looking back. “Yucky, stinky diapers!” Van Lieshout also appeals directly to kids’ love of discussing all things excretory, and when the boy later shows readers how he uses the toilet, the results speak for themselves with a resounding “plop.” Swoopy black outlines, a chunky typeface, and a contrasting palette of muted teal and bright yellow give the pages a fresh look and a strong visual punch. The small, square trim size is just right for children looking for a little on-the-pot reading material—how better to really act like a grownup? Ages 2–4. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House.

March 1, 2016

Toddler-PreS-These simple and visually bold titles address two common milestones in the life of a young child-letting go of a pacifier and potty training. Van Lieshout uses the appeal of being a "big kid" to encourage young children. In Bye-Bye Binky, a smiling toddler narrates her transition from a crying baby comforted only by her binky to a girl who can ask for what she needs. She marks her transition to "big kid" by passing her binky along to another baby. The digital illustrations match the simple text and mainly feature the central character, rendered in thick black lines and positioned against a solid background. Neon orange contrasts with chocolate brown, creating a striking visual effect. I Use the Potty centers on a boy who is also looking back at his baby days, when he "pooped and peed in SO MANY DIAPERS." There is plenty to appeal to those who find potty humor hilarious, including a satisfying "plop" when he finally masters the potty. The illustrations in this title are done in muted blue and neon yellow, which works especially well for an unfortunate leaky diaper scene. VERDICT Simple and engaging, these titles will work for even the shortest attention spans.-Kimberly Tolson, Medfield Public Library, MA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.