One of the major milestones for any child is the transition from diapers to full potty training. This is a daunting step for both parents and kids alike and there are tons of books out there to help in easing the burden for everyone. Sesame Street, with its ever-vigilant approach to child-rearing, has come out with a book designed to both entertain and inform in the colorful and fun way their brand has been known for over the last several decades. ‘P is for Potty’ is a fun story that features a ton of flip open features throughout its twelve pages.
On the surface, ‘P is for Potty’ is a basic step-by-step story of learning to use the bathroom and understanding that accidents happen. A little deeper though, and it presents the story from the perspectives of three different parties.
Elmo is the oldest and is well versed in using the potty. Albie is the middle child and is eager to grow up and is confident in his abilities but also learns along the way that he might not be quite as prepared as he thought. Finally, there is Jo-Jo who is still in the diaper phase and serves to show what Albie has recently graduated from. He doesn’t have a speaking role but serves as the set up for dialogue throughout the book. Rounding out the cast are the moms who provide sage advice to Albie and back up some of Elmo’s thoughts but they are largely side characters.
The story starts with Jo-Jo needing a diaper change and Albie expressing that he’s a big boy now and doesn’t need to be changed anymore. Elmo notices that he has to use the restroom and goes through the motions which even includes proper toilet paper usage. Afterwards he asks Albie if he needs to go as well. When he replies no, Elmo is encouraging and they both go out to play.
Shortly after, Albie has an accident and quickly learns that maybe he wasn’t quite as ready as he thought. Elmo and his mom both explain that it’s perfectly alright and that accidents sometimes happen. They get cleaned up and when Albie’s mom arrives he excitedly tells her about the day’s events.
It’s a pretty simple and straightforward story with a decent amount of text to read through. While the illustrations are great and very colorful the true thing that will catch most kids’ eyes are the flaps. There are a ton of doors to open throughout the book and, at least with my daughter, they ALL will need lots of exploring.
I will say that as an adult I did not find the reveals inside the flaps particularly exciting. Generally, you could open a window shade and find a bird outside or turn over some blocks to see that they have all fallen down. There are a couple of interesting reveals, like seeing a pacifier in the mom’s pocket, so there are some fun extensions to reality provided, but it felt like more to keep the kids busy rather than focusing on the story itself.
The number of flaps presented is impressive and kept ‘Potty’ at the top of the frequently requested list.
Ultimately I think P is for Potty is a great book that helps explain a natural human process. I did suffer a bit of “Potty Fatigue” after having read it for the tenth or so time but Ava loves it and it has become more relevant the older she’s gotten. The flaps are decently made and even if a few of them tear the reveal won’t take away from the story and there are plenty more to attract your child. This book is definitely worthy of a spot on your bookshelf.
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