8 Best potty training books

Lots of parents find reading potty training books with their little ones a helpful way to introduce new ideas and encourage positive toileting routines. Reading books together can also be a lot of fun and set the tone for a positive potty training journey. Here are my recommendations for the best potty training books around.

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Pirate Pete’s Potty

This was the top recommendation from parents I surveyed. There various different versions in this series (all by Andrea Pinnington), including Princess Polly’s Potty and Pirate Polly’s Potty plus sticker books for both princesses and pirates. The board books have a button for toddlers to push (which makes a cheering sound) which helps everyone set off on the potty training journey in a positive spirit.

Put Your Botty on the Potty

This is a lovely lift the flap monster book (by Sam Lloyd) which focuses on just sitting and practising (the first step in the potty training journey). Humorous and encouraging, especially for younger learners.

Squiggy the Poo: Fun & Games

Written by developmental psychologist Dr Kate McGarry, these games and ideas will help encourage your little one to sit on the potty and also take the pressure off if potty training has got a bit stressful. If your child is reluctant to poo on a potty or experiencing constipation, stool withholding or fear of the toilet, then take a look at the accompanying book Squiggy the Poo. (You can also read Kate’s helpful advice in her guest blog Teaching your child to poo on a potty).

Hey Duggee: The Potty Badge

If your little one is a fan of Hey Duggee, this might be one of the best potty training books for you. I particularly like the song in this book – which you could use as a fun positive way to entertain your child while sitting on the potty. There is also a lift-the-flap version, a sticker book (with reward chart) and a book on handwashing too.

I Really Really Need A Wee

This one is a great choice for children who are out of nappies but still having accidents. It encourages children to think about signals from their body and plan ahead (by having a wee when they are near a toilet) but without being preachy. It’s a lot of fun to read out loud! Titled I Really Really Need To Pee in the USA, there is also a poo version (I Really Really Need A Poo) also by Karl Newson.

Poo Poo Bum Bum Wee Wee

This is a really practical book that breaks everything down into stages (including important details like how to wipe) but is also fun to read with catchy rhymes and illustrations you can chat about. And what is not to love about  book called Poo Poo Bum Bum Wee Wee?! By Steven Cowell.

Amy Gets Eaten

Amy Gets Eaten (by Adam Kay and Henry Paker) is the tale of a piece of sweetcorn (Amy) who gets eaten. We follow Amy’s journey through the body learning about digestion as we go. If that sounds dry or educational, it absolutely isn’t. This is a very funny book with great illustrations – perfect for fun story times with little ones who are fascinated by poo!

Dash’s Belly Ache

Dash’s Belly Ache (by Wendy Hayden) is one of the best potty training books for children who can’t or won’t poo due to constipation, stool withholding, fear or anxiety. Lots of children find that learning to poo on a potty or in a toilet takes longer than learning bladder control. This sweet story is a gentle way to approach the issue. It can also be read with toddlers who are still in nappies.

Got a recommendation for a great potty training books you want to share? Please do leave a comment below!

Other books you might find helpful:

• Books for preparing toddlers for new babies
• Books for talking to young children about emotions
• Books to help children cope with change
• Starting school books

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