Peep and Egg--I'm Not Using the Potty

February 1, 2018

PreS-The adventures of Peep and Egg continue in this delightful installment. Peep enthusiastically tries to convince Egg to use the toilet. Reluctant Egg has a number of excuses to avoid the act ("Too slippery!" or "Too loud!") and defiantly exclaims each time that he's not using the potty. Peep cleverly introduces Egg to new scenarios that will lead to him to giving in, such as drinking lemonade and playing by a stream with their duckling pals. Wan's bright and bold illustrations add to the fun. She uses close-up frames to highlight the emotions of Peep and Egg, creating a sense of heightened drama with just a few lines for their eyes and beaks. Caregivers who are attempting to potty train little ones will be grateful for this latest addition to the genre. The book addresses some of the concerns that children might have through Egg facing his own fears. Kids will appreciate the humor even if they're past that stage. The story concludes in a satisfying manner for both Peep and Egg. VERDICT A winning addition to the series to be shared one-on-one or with a group.-Gretchen Hardin, Sterling Municipal Library, Baytown, TX

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2017
Can Peep convince Egg to overcome fears and use the potty?Starting on the first page of the story, Peep, the larger of the two eponymous, anthropomorphic yellow chicks, encourages a reluctant Egg to use the potty. No amount of cajoling works, however, and Egg voices fears and repeats the titular refrain on alternating spreads until the middle of the book, when the chicks head outside. Here, Wan's digital art shifts to embrace full-bleed double-page spreads that depict Peep and Egg outside with cows drinking lemonade, ducks frolicking by a stream, and sheep using a hose to wash a tractor. (Prior pages featured blank, white backgrounds to highlight only the characters, the potty, and toilet-paper roll.) Clever Peep is clearly hoping that these surroundings will prompt Egg to use the potty after all, but they do not. Finally Peep resorts to going inside to make toilet-paper tutus and dance about. This does the trick, and a desperate Egg finally uses the potty. In a comical twist, Peep ends up ruing Egg's newfound confidence in using the potty when the little chick settles in on the throne with a good book and Peep must wait for a turn. Wan's bean-shaped chicks are as appealing as ever, thick, smooth outlines and uncomplicated digital colors giving the book a friendly look.A good book to help little ones who feel a bit chicken about using the potty. (Picture book. 1-3)

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