Toy Boat by Randall De Seve and Illustrated by Loren Long

Published by Philomel Books (An imprint of Penguin)

Pages: 40

Ages: 2 and up

Publishers Summary: A little boy has a toy boat. He made it out of a can, a cork, a yellow pencil, and some white cloth. The boy and his boat are inseparable, until one day when the wind pushes the toy boat out into the wide lake. Alone now, the little boat must face fierce waves, a grumpy ferry, a sassy schooner, and a growling speed boat. How the little boat misses the boy! But if he is going to survive, he must figure a way to do it on his own.

Loren Long has a timeless and magical touch. As he did with The Little Engine That Could, he creates a world of toys and children that go right to the soul. Toy Boat will sail into young hearts and stay there.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “This is an amazing book! The boat in here steals the show for sure. Not to mention all of the other big boats he runs into! It’s incredible! He gets taken out into the ocean and thrown around in a storm, then almost run over by a huge boat! Whoa!

“The only part I don’t like is when the boat gets sad because he’s not with his little boy anymore. It’s just so sad. I know if he were my boat I would be sad and would want him to come back home. But it gets better! The boat makes it home and the little boy is so so happy to see him! I could read this book over and over again, thank goodness my mom likes it so much!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “Not too long ago I wrote a post titled, Parents vs. Children: When We Love Books Our Kids Don’t. It was all about me venting that my tastes and the tastes of Turkeybird and Littlebug were sometimes very very different. Toy Boat made the list of books I loved that Turkeybird did not. Well, the day has finally come that he is loving this wonderful book and I couldn’t be happier! Not that I don’t enjoy reading pretty much anything to him, but it’s so nice when you both love a book.

“Everything about this book is delightful. Initially I picked up Toy Boat because I’m a bit of an illustration snob and Loren Long is one of my absolute favorites. If you don’t agree, I’d hope to persuade you to take a look at her website. Everything she illustrates is gorgeous. Besides the illustrations, I was drawn to the little boy, so much like my own. So often in his own little world with just a few favorite toys and books keeping him constantly thinking.

“Toy Boat though is not so much about the little boy, but the boat itself. His adventure away from the boy and into the unknown is so similar to the life we all experience at some point. He travels, at first excited at the wonderment before him, but soon longs for the boy he left behind. With sudden hopelessness engulfing him the boat is met by another friendly, but bigger boat who gently guides him back to the boy he loves. And the boy…is there on the beach eagerly awaiting the toy boat’s return.

“This is a story I hope to share with both Turkeybird and Littlebug for some time. It’s exciting to be able to share a story that means so much to me with Turkeybird now and see his excitement as we read along together. Toy Boat has so much meaning to be gained and I know as they both grow, the meaning will change for each of them. But for now, I’m happy to share the excitement of the little boy as his boat returns from his big adventure across the sea!”

Please take a look at the illustrator’s website, Loren Long children’s book gallery, for some amazing sketch to finished image comparisons. You will be astounded at how beautiful they are!

Some other Randall and Peter DeSeve books you might enjoy!
(There’s at least one of these I think a certain Whimsical blogger might just adore!)

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. Wonderful illustrations, a fantastic adventure and a touching meaning make this a perfect book for kiddos to “grow” into.

For the Comments: How do illustrations affect your buying decisions when it comes to children’s books? Make or break?

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Not too long ago two of my favorite book bloggers and Children’s Literacy advocates, Susan from The Book Chook and Tif from Tif Talks Books, sent out a call for submissions to contribute to a “Literacy Cook Book“. When I heard about it I knew I had to submit something. Obviously The Baker (my hubby) loves to bake pretty much anything and The Turkeybird can’t help but want to help out in the kitchen. They always have a blast and I thought, what better than to include one of his favorite books with the recipe?

If You Give A Pig A Pancake by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond is a Turkeybird favorite and not just because the story is so cute. It’s all about a pig and his desire to have more pancakes, one of the Turkeybird’s favorite meals to make and to eat. Based on the favorite books, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, except this time it’s all about a Pig who starts off with a pancake, then syrup, then a bath, then a duck…and I think you get the picture. Eventually he ends up right back at the pancake, which my sweet Turkeybird just loves!

Because of the Turkeybird’s love of “The Pig pancake” book, his love of actual pancakes and The Baker’s love of making them from scratch I thought this was the perfect combo for The Book Chook Cook Book. So, one afternoon while getting ready for dinner we took some very fun pictures, compiled the recipe and sent it all off that evening. Yesterday, The Book Chook Cook Book was revealed and much to our surprise, The Turkeybird made the cover!

We truly are so excited to even be included in the final book! The entire concept is brilliant and both Susan & Tif did an amazing job putting everything together. Make sure to take a look! The Cook Book is free to anyone who like it and there are some fantastic recipes that I know we will be trying out very very soon. Thank you again to both Susan and Tif for a fabulous idea and for putting it together for everyone!

Didn’t make this issue or do you already have a post you’d like to mention, run over to Tif’s site Tif Talks Books for a link-up and more information!

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

It’s Sunday. Hopefully you’re planning a nice afternoon picnic, a drive by or to the beach and maybe a quiet morning reading on the porch or patio. I’m also pretty sure that for some, there is the chance you’ll be attending a Sunday service of some sort. All of these options sound delightful to me. That is, until you add the variable of two small children under the age of 3. Not that children aren’t completely delightful, but they don’t exactly ensue relaxation and peaceful quiet moments without a little bit of work.

So, why not make the “work” enjoyable for you both?
My suggestion…books! Are you really surprised?

Shortly after The Turkeybird was born we realized there would no longer be a “restful” Sunday. No more napping in the afternoon, unless by some miracle he decided to sleep for longer than 30 minutes at a time. But at almost the same time we made a huge discovery, he absolutely loved to read! He wasn’t yet 3 months old, but if we put a book in front of him, no matter his mood, he was almost instantly content. And happily this has continued on with Littlebug.

One of our very happy finds happened on a long trip to Washington D.C. for a weekend getaway. I stumbled upon these fantastic board books that were only just a few pages long, but had an amazing secret inside. Within each page were numbers, colors, animals and shapes. All basics you most likely have started teaching a little one by the time they are able to hold their head up.
But the secret? Each shape or color would pop out of the pages of the board book, a jigsaw puzzle right there in the book. The shapes are simple and easy to handle, but extremely fun to learn from. Under each puzzle piece was a little more learning to keep them entertained.

As time has carried on we’ve now all but completely passed them down to Littlebug, although there are times (usually during church) when the Turkeybird becomes completely enthralled with them again. He’ll take out all of the numbers or shapes and play a game with us by mixing them up and searching for the right place to put them. It’s the perfect tool for keeping little one’s minds and hands busy when you may need just a few minutes of peace and quiet.

I’d highly recommend any of the books pictured above, as well as any others in the same series. We have many more than are pictured here and I’m rarely found without at least a few of them.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 4 and under. Perfect for teaching and busying little hands, especially when they need a little help being quiet.

For the comments: Do you have a favorite book to read on Sundays? A book for quiet peaceful times or just one that keeps the kiddos engaged for a few minutes?

These books were purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Sleepy Kittens by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio Illustrated by Eric Gillon

Published by Hachette Book Group (An imprint of Little Brown & Company)

Ages: 4-8

Pages: 10

Publishers Summary:
An adorable board book with finger puppets based on a book featured in the animated movie, Despicable Me, coming from Universal Studios in Summer 2010. With gentle, rhythmic verse, little ones will love to snuggle up with these soft, cozy kitties at bedtime.

“Sleepy Kittens is exactly what the summary says, an adorable board book for little ones. There are little finger puppets attached to the top of the book that give you (and your little one) the chance to interact with the book. It’s a short and sweet little bedtime book about a mother kitty trying to coax her little kitties to bed for the night. She does everything from brushing their fur, giving them a drink and singing them a lullaby. All things I’m sure many of us can relate to at some point. Both Littlebug and Turkeybird are already enjoying this sweet book and I’m positive the little kitties will be a big hit in their upcoming movie debut, Despicable Me.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 1 and up. The perfect bedtime story for any little one, especially those with an affinity for kitties.

A Despicable Me Giveaway!

As I’m sure many of you have heard, Universal Pictures newest release Despicable Me comes out tomorrow, July 9th 2010! Our family is absolutely dying to go see it because not only does the story look amazing, but Steve Carrell is the voice of the main character, Gru. One of the reasons for breaking from the norm to promote a bit of a movie release is because, of course, it involves books! The title above, Sleepy Kittens, is featured in the movie and there is also a new line of books based off the movie. Exciting news for my readers, you have the wonderful opportunity of possibly winning a prize pack that includes all of the books (official Despicable Me book site)! Take a look below for details, as well as more info about the books & movie!

Movie Synopsis: In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden deep beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by an army of tireless, little yellow minions, we discover Gru (Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universal’s new 3-D CGI feature, Despicable Me.

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

One of the world’s greatest super-villains has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Genre: 3-D CGI Feature
Cast: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig, Danny McBride, Miranda Cosgrove, Jack McBrayer, Mindy Kaling, Jemaine Clement and Julie Andrews
Directed by: Chris Renaud & Pierre Coffin
Written by: Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio
Produced by: Chris Meledandri, John Cohen, Janet Healy
Executive Producer: Nina Rappaport-Rowan

One (1) Winner will receive:

• Sleepy Kittens
• My Dad the Super Villain
• The World’s Greatest Villain
• Despicable Me: The Junior Novel
• Despicable Me T-shirt
• Despicable Me pencil

Details: One winner will be chosen at random after the contest closes. You MUST fill out the form below, comments will not count as entries. Only one entry per household. Must be a follower of There’s A Book. Giveaway is open to US/Canadian Residents only. The giveaway will run from July 08, 2010 until July 30, 2010 midnight EST.

This book and giveaway were provided by Big Honcho Media, in conjunction with Little, Brown and Company & Universal Studios, for review. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

The Adventures of Precious the dog by Precious

Published by Imajackrussell

Pages: 9

Publishers Summary: Precious and Lizie Play Hide and Seek is the first book in The Adventures of Precious The Dog series of childrens books, by Anipal, known on Twitter as @Imajackrussell.
The first book in the series is a tale of a Jack Russell Terrier and her backyard friends after her humans create a backyard habitat.
Precious shows how she has fun with her anipals, Mrs. Butterfly, Birdie, and, of course, the clever Lizie the lizard.

“Precious the dog has many adventures, and this is just the beginning of a very promising series. Her friends range from Lizie (featured in this first book), Birdie, Butterfly and I’m sure more to come. Her days are filled with hide-and-go-seek, playing and just about anything that a dog loves doing.

“One of the truly fun things about the series is the interactive part. Precious is actually available online via Twitter, with a very large following I might add. Everyday you can watch what she’s up to and who she’s playing with, it makes the series come alive before your eyes. As an adult with an understanding of how the internet works, this added so much to the book, because it made it more enjoyable to see where Precious went from the close of the book. For a child though, outside of seeing the occasional photo or video online, it doesn’t help much.

“Littlebug is definitely a big fan of Precious and her book. She loves dogs right now more than just about anything as well as flowers and the outdoors, all of which are in the book. She would continually say ‘d-dog, d-dog‘ and ‘flower‘, so cute! She truly enjoys watching precious chase Lizzie around and talk to Mrs. Butterfly and Birdie.

“The Adventures of Precious the dog is definitely a series with promise, as I stated earlier. As a character, Precious is perfect, she has a fun personality and does things that kids just love to see. Her online presence also adds to the overall enjoyment of the book, even if it’s not entirely accessible to little ones. If I had any qualms about the book itself it would have to be that the images in the actual book don’t vary much and I wanted to ‘see’ a little more about Precious’ day. Overall though, a fun read and great for little pint size dog lovers.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 1 and up. A fun read for beginning readers and animal lovers everywhere.

For the Comments: How do you feel about finding your favorite characters online in places like Twitter and Facebook?

This book was provided by the author, Precious. Thank you!

Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith and Illustrated by Tad Carpenter

Published by Chronicle Books

Pages: 80

Ages:9-12

Publishers Summary: It’s easy and fun to be green! Printed on 100% recycled materials and developed in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, this one-of-a-kind activity book encourages kids to reduce waste and make their homes, schools, and neighborhoods more environmentally friendly. It’s packed with plenty of in-book and out-of-book activities and 2 pages of stickers. Kids will have a blast while they develop an understanding of local and worldwide environmental challenges.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “I love sticker books! Did you see the discussion all about how sticker books helped me to learn to speak? It was great, if I do say so myself! Sticker and activity books are some of my favorite types of books most of all because I love to learn new things. Also they’re great because I get to work with mom and dad. I always love being able to find the right sticker or draw something that they get really excited over! It’s so neat to have them say that I did a ‘great job’!

“This activity book has been so much fun, because there are stickers and I get to color in it. One of the first activities I did was learn all about different whales from all over the world. It was so so neat! My mom even took a picture:

“I just love learning about the outdoors and outer-space right now, so it was perfect! There are pages all about animals and plants and even some about cars, which you all know I am a huge fan of. It was also really fun to learn how to help mom by making sure to turn my light off when I leave my bedroom and not run the water too long after I wash my hands. There were so many things to learn, and I’m still not done. I’m hoping that tomorrow I’ll get to do a little bit more with mom or dad, because it’s just so much fun!”

Mom’s Two Cents: “The Baker and I are definitely of the mindset that we have the ability to impact our environment by taking small and simple steps. We believe it’s important to care for not only the earth we live on, but also our bodies, by way of monitoring our food sources. Yes, for some it may be extreme, but for us it works. That’s not to say we aren’t without fault when it comes to being ‘green’, but we definitely try our best to be mindful of our individual impact on the earth. Because of this we also feel responsible to carry that knowledge on to Turkeybird and Littlebug and Simple Steps is a great book for just that purpose.

“Yes, the book is for kids a bit older than ours, it recommends ages 9-12, but there’s no need to hold back. I’m a firm believer that activity books are meant to be an involved activity with both parent and child. So, if you take this advice to heart it’s easy to take topics like ‘The Problem with Plastic’ and ‘Energy in Motion’ and make them applicable even to little kids. Besides, Simple Steps is loaded with fantastic stickers and coloring activities that you can use to help illustrate each of the topics. As you can plainly see, The Turkeybird gets pretty excited about finding the right sticker to go in the right place:

“This is definitely one of my new favorites when it comes to activity books. Some activity books can be pretty basic and carry very little variety, but not Simple Steps. From our homes to the forests and oceans, you learn how we each have an impact on our world and what we can do even as children to make a difference. In addition to that there’s even a guide to buying seasonal produce and using your local farmer’s markets. Simple Steps is just that, the simple steps we can take in our individual lives to improve the quality of life for ourselves and everything in the earth around us. A wonderful activity books for kids and parents to share and learn from.

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. A perfect activity book for little ones beginning to learn about our earth and great for parent interaction!

For the Comments: Is there anything “simple” your family does to try and make the earth a more healthy place for all of us?

Simple Steps has quickly become a favorite that we want to share. Because of this, There’s A Book is offering 5 copies to our wonderful readers. Each winner, 5 total, will receive one copy of the Simple Steps Activity Book by Molly Smith.

Details: Five winners will be chosen at random after the contest closes to receive one copy each. You MUST fill out the form below, comments will not count as entries. Only one entry per household. Must be a follower of There’s A Book. Giveaway is open to US/Canadian Residents only. The giveaway will run from June 24, 2010 until July 16, 2010 midnight EST.

This book was provided by Lara from Chronicle Books. Thank you! Make sure to take a look at their website and find them on Twitter here.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

Go to Sleep, Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton

Published by HarperFestival (A division of Harper Collins Children’s)

Pages: 16

Ages: 2-5

Publishers Summary: This is Russell.

Pookster and the Unloose Tooth & Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle by Rhonda Funk

Published by Carmichael Publishing

Pages: 16 each

Ages: 4-8

Publishers Summary for Pookster and the Practically Perfect Pickle: Pookster is very protective of her pickles. So when her brother Bubs brings his toy soldiers to the table during her pickle eating break, she thinks they are there to swipe her green treat and take it to their leader.

Pookster’s choice of sweet or sour words will mean the difference between keeping her pickle…or losing it to Mommy forces.

“Pookster and her brother are a typical brother-sister duo who pick on each other at times, but other times truly enjoy each others company. These two stories are Christian based and carry a central themes of love and patience throughout. Each story is well written and perfectly colorful to provide little readers something to grab onto.

“Considering that my dear sweet Turkeybird just had his first tooth pulled Pookster and the Unloose Tooth was pretty cute, although he was a little concerned about the growing back part. I just explained to him the difference was that he didn’t have a choice with the pulling of his tooth and in the story, Pookster, had a choice and possibly made a poor one. It was the perfect opportunity to set him aside and teach him a little bit about the choices we make; which is one of the things I love about reading and learning from books.

“In the second story Pookster gets a little out of hand and has to learn a lesson about kindness and using the right words. Again, another great way to teach young children the impact our actions have on others and how we can learn to think before hurting someone’s feelings.

“Each of these books were a breathe of fresh air, honestly. I’m not generally drawn to many Christian titles because I find them to be overly ‘preachy’ and don’t always voice my own beliefs. These stories by Rhonda Funk were wonderful! Perfectly balanced and not to pushy about the overarching Christian theme. Don’t get me wrong, they do include scriptures and a ‘lesson’ at the end of each book, but they are both tastefully done. The illustrations are also fun and enjoyable for children to connect with (as seen below). Overall, I would definitely recommend these to a family looking for Christian based books to help their children understand basic principles to apply in their lives.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. Perfect for families with any basic Christian background looking to help teach their children beginning principles.

For the Comments: Do you have a favorite Christian children’s author or book? I love to hear about it!

Giveaway Details below the images and video.

Giveaway: Bring it on! Communications Publicity has graciously offered one copy of each of these great books (two total), including an audio version of each book, to be given away to one reader of There’s A Book!

Details: One winner will be chosen at random after the contest closes. You MUST fill out the form below, comments will not count as entries. Only one entry per household. Must be a follower of There’s A Book. Must be a US/Canadian resident. The giveaway will run from June 14, 2010 until June 30, 2010 midnight EST.

This book and interior art was provided by Bring it on Communications Publicity for Review and Giveaway. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

Coppernickel, The Invention by Wouter van Reek

Published by Enchanted Lion Books

Pages:32

Ages:4-8

Publishers Summary: In The Invention, Coppernickel discovers a blank page at the end of his favorite book — a great, big book about every invention ever made, and he takes this as an invitation to create his own. At first he wants to invent something that is simple and very useful, but as he begins to create a machine for picking high-hanging elderberries (his all time favorite food), his enthusiasm gets the better of him and his ever-more-complex machine gets out of hand. This
is no surprise given that whenever Coppernickel has something on his mind he goes to great lengths to accomplish his ideas, until he reaches the greatest possible lengths, after which he goes on to even greater lengths! Fortunately, the level-headed Tungsten is there to save the day—in more ways than one!

“Coppernickle, The Invention is a delightful story all about a dog, Tungsten, who really wants to get outside to play, but has an overachiever for an owner, Coppernickle. He decides that after he finds two blank pages in a book of inventions that it’s his quest to create the next invention to fill the pages. With the help of his faithful dog he’s finally able to accomplish his goal and Tungsten is able to enjoy what he wanted to do from the start, play outside.

“When I initially saw this book my interest was primarily because of the illustrations (take a quick look below at the small details in just one page). They are different than any others I have ever seen, so unique and mathematical. Immediately I thought this book would be perfect for The Turkeybird at some point, he’s such a technical-thinker constantly figuring things out. After my reading of the book, I still agree with that, but now I know it’s also perfect for Littlebug. She already loves to look at the pictures in the book, but mostly just Tungsten, she’s definitely a animal person.

“Besides being absolutely beautiful to look at this book has an incredible and very funny story. As an adult who loves reading children’s literature this has quickly become one of my favorites. The relationship that Coppernickle and Tungsten have is just perfect. Coppernickle is pretty absorbed in his work and his faithful dog Tungsten would just love to go play. And though Tungsten has his own desires, he is still the ever faithful (sometimes snarky) and creative match for his energetic owner. Just take a look at this image below for example:

“This is a fabulous book with beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story that I’m happy to have in our home. You will absolutely fall in love with the dynamic relationship of Coppernickle and Tungsten! Although my Turkeybird is still a little too young to appreciate the entire story at this point I know in the very near future this will become one of his favorites. If you have a tender-hearted little one with an affinity for doggies or a technical wizard brewing before you you will definitely want this book in your home.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 4 & up. A wonderful book that will bring out the creativity in all who read it.

For the Comments: If you could invent one thing, what would it be?

This book and interior art was provided by the publisher, Enchanted Lion Books, for review. Thank you!
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with IndieBound.

This post is in honor of Winston. My good friend Gina from Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers has an affinity for doggies and sadly her sweet Winston passed away yesterday morning (06/03/10). My heart goes out to her and her family as they grieve for their faithful Winston.

Potty Animals by Hope Vestergaard Illustrated by Valeria Petrone

Published by Sterling Publishing

Pages: 32

Ages: 4 and up

Publishers Summary: Meet Wilbur, who won’t wash his hands after going potty. Wilma, who waits too long…and sometimes doesn’t make it in time.  And Freddie, who’s afraid to flush. These are just a few of the preschool animals who need a little help with their bathroom etiquette!   With wit and good humor, Hope Vestergaard presents a unique “toilet basics” guide for toddlers.  It covers everything from lifting the seat and closing the door to planning ahead when you’re on a trip.  All told in cheerful rhyme, with hilarious illustrations, it’s a fun way to handle a serious subject.

The Turkeybird Speaks: “Oh no! He forgot to zip his zipper! And look…mom? You’re not supposed to use a tree, are you? And that girl piggie, she waited too long…oops! I do that a lot, so I can understand.

“This is such a funny book and there’s even toilet paper all over it! It’s great too because there’s even a guy who reads a book while he goes potty and I always do that. The best though is the stinky part, so so funny! I really like this book, I always laugh even when I just see it on the shelf. It’s going to help so much when I am better at using the potty, I just know it because I will already know all the things I’m not supposed to do and do the right things.”

Mom’s Two Cents: “The Turkeybird has been on a roll this week and so I thought why not keep it going with another laugh-a-minute book? Potty Animals is hilarious! As a parent with little kids trying to learn to use the potty it just doesn’t get more comical than this and for the kiddos it’s just fun. You name it, it’s in Potty Animals, and the byline says it all: ‘What to Know When You’ve Gotta Go!’.

“Initially I picked up Potty Animals after seeing the book trailer I added below. The second reason had everything to do with The Turkeybird’s absolute lack of interest in using the potty and at this point, we read just about everything about the potty we can together. It’s definitely not a ‘potty training’ book, but more of a manners book once you’ve used the potty. And although it doesn’t focus on the beginning training aspect of using the potty, it has gotten The Turkeybird more interested. I’ll spare you the details, but after reading this book he’s definitely more excited about trying out the potty.

“Potty Animals is the perfect book to get kiddos excited and interested in using the potty and wonderful for potty ‘veterans’ who may have some quirks they need to work on. Parents will most definitely love this book just as much as their kiddos (if not more), because the humor is so great and not at all crude. Vestergaard’s story and Petrone’s illustrations make this the potty book you want to read with your kiddos. A must for parents with kiddos in this often times difficult stage of life, not only to help the kiddos, but to give the parents a much needed chuckle.”

Hope also has an entire page on her site dedicated to Activity Guides for all sorts of different children’s books. Check it out and get involved in reading with your little one in more ways than just sitting on the couch together!

The1stdaughter Recommends: Ages 3 and up. Any child who is beginning to potty train will love this story with simple situations every child is bound to encounter.

For the Comments: Have a funny potty training story you’d like to share? It doesn’t even have to be about your own kiddos…maybe just your “friend’s kiddos”.

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.