Despite a message of empowerment, this text’s amateur illustrations and funky navigation makes it a wet blanket.
An “I can do it book” that just doesn’t do it when it comes to celebrating kids and their success with potty training.
A series of single, boldly colored pages depicts one child on each proudly boasting about his or her ability to take on different aspects of potty training. For example, one child boasts of lifting the toilet lid, while another can stay dry while out walking. A diversity of races is represented in the simple, naïve cartoons, though they generally lack expression. The text includes simple navigation that enables readers to move back and forth by clicking rolls of toilet paper in each bottom corner. Swiping to turn pages is not an option, which might frustrate those familiar with standard e-book protocol. There is no read-aloud option, although when readers click to turn pages, a child brightly exclaims, “Next page!” A limited range of off-key sound effects can be triggered through tapping various elements, such as a drum, toilet and sleeping child. Other interactive opportunities include dragging shoes, pants and bows to dress the characters, but these are not always obvious and may be overlooked.
Despite a message of empowerment, this text’s amateur illustrations and funky navigation makes it a wet blanket. (iPad storybook app. 2-3)Pub Date: May 3, 2011
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: I Can Do It Books
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2011
Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic...
A toddler shares his glee at leaving diapers behind.
The book is completely child-focused, without an adult in sight. This youngster's independence influences each aspect of his toileting; he takes himself to the pot, and he uses a step stool to reach the sink to wash his hands after. There's no indication that any accidents may occur. The boy boasts, “When it's time, I know.” Brisk, rhyming phrases miss the mark. “Everyone uses the potty, / like me and Daddy and Mommy. / It's potty time, hooray! / I'm a big kid today.” With a little button nose and short spiky hair, the Caucasian tot is appealing. His favorite teddy bear plays the role of a loyal companion and even sits on his own potty just like the child. A die-cut–framed, battery-operated button (“flush me!”) triggers sound effects. Adults looking for a straightforward celebration of this milestone will gravitate toward this short selection, but there's no hint of the inevitable missteps young children face during the process.
Though its single-minded focus on success offers positive role modeling, it needs to be used with other, more realistic titles (and lots of patience). (Board book. 2-3)Pub Date: May 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-545-35080-8
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 29, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A terrific resource for fans of Daniel Tiger and newcomers alike.
Animated PBS character Daniel Tiger helps readers tell time.
Mr. Rogers–like (explicitly—the show is produced by the Fred Rogers Co.), Daniel Tiger welcomes his neighbors, inviting them to spend the day with him and learn to use a clock along the way. A large clock face with movable hands is accessible through a large, die-cut circle in the upper-right corner of each double-page spread. The hands click and clack as they’re moved around the clock’s face, and the sound is peculiarly satisfying. Each hand has a different noise, helping children to differentiate between the two. Daniel and his family and friends do lots of things throughout the day, including eating breakfast, going to school, running errands, eating dinner, and going to bed. The illustrations emulate the show’s rounded, calmly colored style. Fans of the television show will be entranced. Daniel’s constant engagement with readers will spawn busy interaction, and the fact that this book covers a whole day makes it an excellent read right before bed.
A terrific resource for fans of Daniel Tiger and newcomers alike. (Board book. 2-3)Pub Date: Aug. 30, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-6934-0
Page Count: 14
Publisher: Simon Spotlight
Review Posted Online: Aug. 29, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
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