It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!
I wrote...
The Poopy Pants Dance
By
Christie Griffin Authier,
Emily Wetterich
What is my book about?
Going potty is an evolving journey for children—and it all starts with some wiggles while they’re still in diapers. My board book, The Poopy Pants Dance, is a cheeky read for both parents and their kiddos. It’s about how babies and toddlers often have funny dance-like moves when their diapers are extra dirty. From the hustle to the cha-cha, each scenario features a new dancing baby that will make you and your kiddo giggle.
The Poopy Pants Dance has both rhyming and repetition, which have been proven to help children develop early literacy skills and make important brain connections. Fair warning, though: Numerous parents have told me their children love parroting “poopy pants dance,” particularly in public.
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The Books I Picked & Why
Potty
By
Leslie Patricelli
Why this book?
If you’ve never picked up a Leslie Patricelli book, you are in for a treat! Simple yet endearing, Potty is an adorable depiction of a child needing to go potty and wondering what to do. The storyline and expressive phrases really stick with your child, making it all that much easier for a child to connect a beloved book to something daunting like going potty. Seriously, this is probably the only time you’ll see the words “beloved” and “potty” so close together.
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P Is for Potty!
By
Naomi Kleinberg,
Christopher Moroney
Why this book?
There’s a lot going on in P! is for Potty!—and I like it! In this book, Elmo is having a playdate with his cousin (who is potty training) and there are also lift-the-flaps all over each page. Bonus: Something many people don’t realize is that Sesame Street is run by a non-profit called Sesame Workshop—and the programs and resources they provide for kids and families around the globe are capital I Incredible. So, not to be dramatic about it, but you’re not just making Elmo part of your potty journey if you get this book—you’re basically helping make the world a better place, too.
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Daniel's Potty Time
By
Alexandra Cassel Schwartz,
Jason Fruchter
Why this book?
Getting your child to go potty before leaving the house will be an ongoing battle long after the potty training days are over. I used to say things like, “If you don’t try to go potty, then I’ll have to take away your unicorn stuffie!” Now I say, “Let’s try to go potty like Daniel Tiger does before he goes anywhere.” The book is based on an episode, complete with sing-songy lyrics—and it just works. Ugga mugga!
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Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol)
By
Random House,
Nate Lovett
Why this book?
Chances are your kiddo is either totally obsessed with Paw Patrol or just hasn’t ever seen it. There doesn’t seem to be an in-between. So, never mind that this book has kid characters who say things like, “We like our diapers just fine.” Instead, just let the plucky crew of puppies hypnotize your kid into going to the bathroom. The puppies are on a mission to help kids view potty as an exciting adventure, from overcoming fears to making bubbles from the hand soap. It’s...pawsome!
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My Thomas Potty Book (Thomas & Friends)
By
Random House
Why this book?
I used to write social-first content for the parent audience of Thomas & Friends, which meant I had to find ways to connect with parents on a relatable level while also using Thomas media. This book squarely hits that mark, and “train moms” will undoubtedly appreciate a little help from Thomas when it’s time to start potty training. In this book, kids are asked to make decisions like which color undies they would like, and they will love the 30 reward stickers that are included. Thanks to this book, “Peep! Peep!” can lead to “Poop! Poop!”
