Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

Title: Everyone Poops
Author: Taro Gomi
Translator: Amanda M. Stinchecum
Reading Level: Ages 2 -5
Paperback: 28 Pages
Publisher: Random House

All living things eat. So, they all must poop. And so do animals, birds and other species. It is a natural phenomenon, but how many of us feel comfortable enough to talk about it with our little ones? Some parents may find it a little offensive; Some parents might feel a bit squeamish; Though a few may be open about it. Whatever your standpoint is, toddlers find it a very fascinating subject. Especially during the potty training stage. Some young ones might feel scared. Some might be curious. But, many of them need an assurance from parents that its quite a natural process. When mastering a potty, it helps them tremendously if they know why and where it all comes from.

Lot of potty books are out there in the market. Most of them beat around the bush, but this is a no-nonsense book that hits the nail right on the head. It was first published in Japan in 1978, but translated and published in the US almost over a decade later. With simple watercolor illustrations and succinct text, this book talks about how and where different species poop. An elephant makes a big poop while a mouse makes a tiny poop. Birds, Bugs and fish poop too. Different kinds of animals make different kinds of poop. The book shows how some animals poop in the water, and how some poop here and there. Apparently, cats are smart enough to clean up after themselves and deers are busy enough they do it on the run. The book then moves on to human beings showing grownups and children in various potty seats.

My daughter used to get a little squirmy when she sits on the potty. Sometimes, she will run here and there in the middle to pick up her toys or whatever. But, this is one book that will make her sit down the whole time. Every time she sits on the potty, she insists for poo..poo book to be read to her. She finds it downright hilarious and absolutely wonderful. We have so much fun figuring out whose poop is what and guessing what a whale poop would like. A one-hump camel makes a one-hump poop and two-hump camel makes a two-hump poop. Really? No, Just kidding. She loves to watch the grown-up guy (she smiles saying its her daddy) and the little ones on their various potty seats. She also identifies herself as the toddler sitting on the potty. We have read this book many times, but she finds it totally riveting. Even though some parents might be put off by the detailed illustrations, I think its an absolute must-have for a toddler in her potty training stage.

My Rating: 4.5/5