Top 10 Books to Buy for Potty Training

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Before you start potty training your toddler, you’ll want to read potty training books. Don’t skip this step! It can make potty training more manageable for you and your little one.

Having a variety of potty training books on hand is always a smart idea. Sometimes it takes just one story to “click” with your child and make everything fall into place.

We searched to find 10 of the best potty training books for toddlers. Here are our favorites—and why we recommend each one.

Best Potty Training Books

01. Potty

Potty by Leslie Patricelli is a simple introduction to potty training. With minimal text and expressive illustrations, even the youngest listeners can follow along and stay engaged.

Why we like it:

• Gender-neutral baby: Allows both boys and girls to connect with the character
• Perfect for short attention spans: Simple, short sentences make it easy to read and hold a little one’s focus.
• A dose of humor: Gentle silliness throughout the book keeps the topic fun while the baby figures out how using the potty works.

02. No More Diapers for Ducky!

Ducky knocks on his friend Piggy’s door to see if he can play, but Piggy can’t come outside because he’s using the potty. Seeing his friend’s progress inspires Ducky to ditch his diapers and learn to use the potty, too.

Why We Like It:

• Highlights patience and effort: Toddlers learn that potty training takes time and a willingness to keep trying.
• Positive peer encouragement: The characters support one another as they both are learning something new.

03. It’s Potty Time!: A Toddler Prep Book

A Montessori-style approach with real photographs and simple, straightforward language to help toddlers understand what using the bathroom really looks like.

Why we like it:

• Actual photos: The real photos in this book help toddlers understand what to expect and help them connect to the potty training process.
• Highlights different options: By featuring various types of potties and different children, the book is relatable and inclusive.

04. My Big Girl Potty

My Big Girl Potty is a highly recommended book for potty training girls. The story follows a little girl named Ashley as she learns to use the potty. It covers important steps like washing hands and explaining that it’s normal to still wear diapers at night.

Why We Like It:

• Engaging questions throughout the book encourage little readers to participate and stay involved.
• A relatable role model: Ashley gives toddler girls someone to look up to as they navigate the potty training process.
• Realistic and encouraging: Ashley doesn’t master the potty right away—sometimes she can’t go, and she even has an accident. This shows kids that mistakes are normal and part of learning, especially while potty training.

05. Princess Potty

This is another potty training book geared toward little girls, especially ones who love princesses. The princess character cheerfully walks readers through how potty training works, step by step, making the process feel simple and approachable.

Why We Like It:

• A book fit for a princess: It includes a perforated crown and reward stickers to make the experience special and motivating.
• Royally fun: Lighthearted humor is woven throughout, with playful lines like “Here ye, here ye, I have to pee!” as the princess heads to her royal throne—the toilet!

06. The Potty Book for Boys

A sweet, rhyming book introducing potty training to little boys. With classic illustrations on each page, the story follows Henry as he learns how to use the potty.

Why we like it:

• Realistic & relatable: The book details common mishaps that might come up during potty training, like having accidents or getting pee on the floor.
• Lightbulb moment: While this potty training book is a bit longer than some others (32 pages), parents often find that this story helps the concept finally “click” for their little ones.

07. Daniel Tiger’s Potty Time!

A fan-favorite potty-training book with over 15,000 five-star reviews. Even toddlers who aren’t familiar with Daniel Tiger will enjoy this interactive sound book.

Why we like it:

• Sounds & song: Three sound buttons guide toddlers step-by-step through using the toilet, including a catchy potty-training song they’ll love to sing along with.
• Always ask!: Daniel Tiger encourages little ones to ask if they need to use the potty—whether they’re at home or out and about.
• Good lessons throughout: Like all Daniel Tiger stories, this book weaves in simple, reassuring lessons that help toddlers feel confident and supported.

08. Peek-a-Poo!

An encouraging book about potty training that puts a fun twist on the classic phrase “peek-a-boo!” It’s a colorful, engaging look at potty training that kids will enjoy.

Why we like it:

• Sturdy board book that holds up to little hands and frequent rereading
• A potty seat is represented! Unlike many potty-training books, this one includes illustrations of a children’s potty seat that fits on top of the toilet—something many families use.
• Encouraging & lighthearted: The book is warm, colorful, and encouraging while keeping toddlers engaged.

09. Let’s Go To The Potty!

A straightforward and relatable potty training book for toddlers. It even includes a song!

Why we like it:

• Gender-neutral main character: Allows both boys and girls to connect with the story.
• One step at a time: The story walks through the steps of potty training – from what a potty may look like, to listening to your body, and cleaning up afterwards.
• Make it musical: The book includes a Potty Song to sing which motivates little learners.

10. Diapers Are Not Forever

This book helps toddlers understand that growing up means learning to say goodbye to diapers.

Why we like it:

• Practice makes perfect: Encouraging through and through, this story focuses on the importance of practicing going to the potty every day.
• Inclusive for boys and girls: It explains that girls sit to go, while boys can sit or stand, and even includes illustrations of urinals to reflect real-life options.
• Helpful parent tips: Guidance at the end of the book offers additional support for caregivers navigating the potty-training process.

Why Books Help Your Little One Potty Train

Books are a great way to introduce concepts and navigate new experiences. They provide stories to teach our little ones about what to expect. Don’t forget, reading books is a bonding experience!

Don’t forget to check your local library for potty training books!

The best potty training books use stories, characters, and pictures to make the potty training experience less scary and overwhelming. They provide a shared language to talk about potty training. Reading potty training books helps children understand routines and what’s expected as they learn to use the toilet.

Potty Training Must-Haves

You don’t need much to potty train your little one. There is no one size fits all method either! We’ve found that some good books and a few other essentials are all you really need. These are our family’s potty training must-haves.

Baby Bjorn Potty Chair

The Baby Bjorn Potty Chair has been our favorite little potty for potty training our kids. It’s easy to clean and has a high back for comfort. The high splashguard helps prevent messes, even with little boys. It’s sturdy, well made, and compact enough to throw in the trunk if you’re traveling, too.

Little2Big Toilet Seat

When my son started going to the potty consistently, we transitioned away from the little potty and got this attachment for our bathroom toilet. It’s easy to install and easy to clean.

Folding Travel Potty Seat

When you’re outside the comfort of your own home, we love this travel potty seat. Suction it onto any toilet seat and you have a secure spot for your little one to sit and use the bathroom. It’s affordable, easy to clean, and a game changer when potty training. You’ll use it for years!

Looking for more?

Find more of our book recommendations for navigating new experiences with toddlers – from making friends, to moving, or going to a medical appointment.

Reading is a great bonding experience with your child. Discover our favorite books for babies and toddlers, all organized by age!