11 potty-training books we love

Written and illustrated by Chris Tougas, Kids Can Press (ages 2-4) This colourful board book uses cute rhymes to remind your kid where they shouldn’t tinkle: not on a train not on a plane and (the golden rule) never in the pool! $11, indigo.ca

Written and illustrated by Alona Frankel, Firefly Books (ages 1-3) With separate editions for both boys and girls, this bestselling book is an easy read filled with simple and adorable illustrations. $9, indigo.ca

Written and illustrated by Maria van Lieshout, Chronicle Books (ages 2-5) Only babies wear diapers! Big kids get to wear underwear and use the potty. This book is perfect for encouraging your little tot to ditch the diapers. $15, indigo.ca

Written and illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church, Scholastic Canada (ages 3-5) This board book delightfully chronicles a little one’s first experiences with the potty. Best of all, it comes with a “flush me!” button that makes a whooshing sound your toddler won’t be able to resist. $11, amazon.ca

Written and illustrated by Mo Williams, Disney-Hyperion Books (ages 3+) This laugh-out-loud picture book goes step-by-step through the transition from diapers to the toilet, and features cute little mice holding up signs of text along the way. $23, indigo.ca

Written and illustrated by Karen Katz, Simon & Schuster Canada (ages 1-5) Narrated from a child’s point of view, this upbeat and interactive “lift-the-flap instruction manual” is perfect for both boys and girls. $9, amazon.ca

Written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli, Candlewick Press (ages 0-3) This board book follows a toddler’s inner dialogue as they ponder the potty that’s sure to make your little one giggle—and want to give it a try. $10, amazon.ca

Written and illustrated by Tony Ross, Andersen Press (ages 2-5) Our favourite sassy little princess will surely make your little one want to ditch their nappies too! $16, Indigo.ca

Written by Brandi Brucks, Althea Press (parents) This book provides a concrete three-day plan that’s easy to follow. We also appreciate this former nanny and behavioural specialist’s expert tips to help parents keep their cool during the inevitably frustrating moments. $16, indigo.ca

Written by Lisa Karr, eBook (parents) This eBook tackles all the basics of the 3-day method. We like her practical answers to common questions parents have during training, including “What if my child is totally bored with the whole potty training thing?” and “What if my child is afraid of the toilet?” $7, indigo.ca

Written by Mina Long, eBook (parents) This eBook is what we’d consider a realist’s take on accelerated training: She doesn’t promise perfection of that it’ll be easy. The overall tone of the book is gentle and reassuring—exactly what anxious parents need. $8, kobo.com

Read more: 5 kids’ TV show episodes about potty training Should you try 3-day potty training? Potty training tips: 7 strategies used by daycare teachers