Everyone Poops, by Taro Gomi
The classic. The “go” to. The standard. It wouldn’t be surprising it you already have one from your baby shower, your own childhood, a joke gift, or just because. But if you don’t already have this on your toddler’s shelf then grab a copy and open their eyes to the beautiful world of pooping in the potty. You can further reinforce the idea that everyone has to go with Even Firefighters Go to the Potty: A Potty Training Lift-the-Flap Story.

Go, Girl! Go Potty!, by Emily Bolam
Emily Bolam has a potty book for both girls and boys, with No Potty! Yes, Potty! As goes the theme, the basics of what the potty is, how to use it, and why it should be the best thing in the whole world are covered. The lift flap features cleverly mimic lifting the lid, highlighting that the end goal might just be in sight.

How to Potty Train Your Monster, by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Michael Moon
Some kids push back from books that look instructional, but here you and your kids will learn how to potty train a monster. Put your kid in the role of teacher and they just might, possibly, take more interest in doing it themselves. The monsters are friendly, ready-to-learn little guys, who make the whole process seem like a game worth playing.

How to Pee: Potty Training for Boys, by Todd Spector, illustrated by Arree Chung
On the flip side, a step-by-step “lift the lid and do your business” book can take some of fear out of this whole new life step. The authors mix in some zany jokes (Dance potty? Gymnastics potty? Cowboy Potty? It’s all here) that can add a little levity to the hours you and your little one will spend sitting in the bathroom. Another perk? Author Todd Spector is actually a doctor: not a bad place to turn when you need a point in the right direction. Again, check out the version that best fits your kid.

Once Upon a Potty – Girl, by Alona Frankel
Another book in a long list of potty literature that features unique editions for both girls and boys. Like Everyone Poops, this is a classic that has been around since the 70s. Your parents may have read this to you, and most likely you’re potty trained, so it is probably a great addition to your library.

Potty, by Leslie Patricelli
Need potty time to be a more of a celebration than a teaching moment? Of course you do; it’s a huge deal! Like all of Patricelli’s books, simple colors, joyful little faces, and clear emotions open up new ideas to kids in a comforting way. Instead of instruction, you’ll get the sheer pride of developing independence.

Potty Time with Elmo: 7 Button Little Sound Book (Play-a-Song Series), by Publications International Ltd. Staff
No list would be complete without Sesame Street. Add a bit more depth to your bathroom reading selection with a book that sings and makes noise. If you have a Sesame lover at home like I do, your kids will go gaga over Elmo sitting on a potty. Keep this book out of reach to make it something special, just for toilet time, and your toddler may stay on the throne for a couple more minutes without a fight.

Have You Seen My Potty?, by Mij Kelly, illustrated by Mary McQuillan
Take the potty training show on the road! The main character, a recently potty trained Suzy Sue has something really important to do, and you better figure out the mystery quick. Instead of stressing over the potty make it something silly, something happy. It will brighten up everyone’s mood, no way around it.

Bonus: Underwear Books!
Make underwear seem like the most awesome thing since…underwear. Books like Polar Bear’s Underwear, The Underwear Book, and Vegetables in Underwear will help kids ditch those diapers and wear their new superhero undies proudly!