erica—June 6, 2025✓ Verified purchase
I have the girls version that was used for my daughter when she was potty training. She enjoyed it and it seemed like it helped so I ordered this one for my son. I did see an improvement after reading this to him and showing him when his poop goes. I do like that it shows the whole nude body and talks about what parts are used for. The only things I don’t like is the word usage. But I just change them. Example, going wee wee with a pee pee. I teach correct terms. It doesn’t change the flow of the book. Also how many times “I, names mother.” Is used alot. I feel like in both gender books, it messes with the flow of the story a little bit. Sometimes I skip those times or change the story a little. But don’t let that stop you from this book. Honestly, of all potty books, this was the best I found. Especially since it shows their pants off on the toilet. I’ve found books with pants ON while sitting on the toilet. It shows their body parts which is a GOOD thing. I remember reading this when I was a younger kid too. As well as my sister in law. It’s a timeless potty book that ages well. Again, just change your the wording to what you prefer. Read more
Dana Cornell—February 13, 2025✓ Verified purchase
When I read my son this book I do change some of the text. Instead of using the characters name I use my son's name, I also use correct names for body parts. In my personal opinion it's important for children to know the correct name of their body parts. Also using my child's name instead of "Joshua" had him much more engaged in the story. Read more
Ann Marie—January 23, 2026✓ Verified purchase
This book is funny and cute. My kids had it when they were little and they thought it was the funniest thing ever. Theyre now 22 and 24. We purchased this for our grandson to keep tradition alive and our son was very surprised to see it again and our grandson loves it. Read more
Jackie—May 15, 2024✓ Verified purchase
I used this book to help potty train my son, and recently purchased it again to help my grandson. The book is kept in the bathroom and entertains him while he's trying. My grandson seeks out the full page of "and sat and sat and sat." Just like his father did 30 years ago, he "reads" it. The pictures of the potty might be a bit dated, but the message is timeless, and it is delivered in a simple easy to understand way. Read more
Charles E. Breiling—April 1, 2020✓ Verified purchase
Yes, this book has some interesting wording (lots of "I, Josha's mother") and the "potty" in question looks more like a chamber pot, but I can't see any toddler caring about that, only adults. What is important for me is that it doesn't take the bland "safe" route of leaving out the important details, as with other toilet training books which only talk about "going to the bathroom." Once Upon A Potty covers the story very nicely: 1. Toddler bodies have many nice and useful parts (head, hands, feet, etc.) and several of these parts are used for making pee and poop (the book uses "wee-wee" and "poo-poo"). Very matter-of-fact. 2. Making pee and poop into diapers is part of life from birth through toddler, and diaper changing is how we deal with it. 3. Even after starting potty training, there will be accidents, and yes, you'll continue to use a diaper. 4. Sometimes a LOT of sitting on the potty is required, and sometimes nothing comes out. 5. Success will be celebrated! 6. Eventually you'll use it every time! I have no problem substituting "pee and poop" when I read the book to my boy (the fourth child I've used this book with) and my son requests the story every time we have potty time. EVERY TIME. :-) I recommend this book highly. Read more
Ice cream Monday—September 24, 2025✓ Verified purchase
The book was printed poorly and the pages were stuck together, color transferred to opposite ends when pulled apart. Wasn’t going to send it back for that but still removing a star. I had this book when I was a kid and mostly got it for nostalgia because we already had other potty books. But my son loves it and laughs every time Joshua tries to figure out what the potty is for. It has renewed some interest in the potty training and I liked that it includes anatomy and the cycle of diapers to potty and accidents. I change words that are used since my child can’t read yet like with any other book that I didn’t write myself. You are your child’s filter to the world. Read more
Erica Shane—June 9, 2025✓ Verified purchase
GREAT! I actually had the girl version when I was little & love the upgrade to board book style. Great way to show little about their body. Read more
Jake—February 16, 2024✓ Verified purchase
This is not only a great gift for any child who is potty training, but I remembrance to those who had it read to them when they were younger. You can also probably find a supplemental video to go along with the book on YouTube if you don’t have an old VCR with, the tape Read more