POTTY ALL-STAR

A young, diaper-wearing basketball player makes a play to use the potty.

The tyke, with amber skin, brown eyes, and neck-length brown hair held in place with a sports headband, takes a couple of “shots” at using the toilet and is unsuccessful. The sports language continues as the youngster is coached by a grown-up, continues to train, heads for the “hoop” (aka the toilet seat), and successfully makes it to the potty before the buzzer sounds. Three grown-ups, likely immediate and extended family members, all with medium brown skin tones, act as the cheering crowd. All the stages of using the toilet are modeled, including flushing (which is the “swish” of the basketball net) and hand-washing. The toddler receives a new uniform—a pair of underpants—and closes by encouraging readers to keep on practicing. While the sports metaphors may go over lots of little heads, this gender-neutral title breaks down the steps for using the potty clearly and concisely in the punchy and positive text. Burach’s illustrations are lively and animated and employ warm, bright colors. Appropriately enough, the characters resemble bobblehead dolls with their large eyes and oversized heads.

Tots in training will find this a helpful and entertaining playbook.