POTTY TIME
developed by I Can Do It Books
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)