How to Pee: Potty Training for Boys: Potty Training for Boys

by Todd Spector, Arree Chung (Illustrator)

Overview

Out with the old and in with the new! Family physician Dr. Todd Spector presents a fresh and outrageously fun way to encourage little boys to give up their diapers. They can try it freestyle (in the backyard!), or give the potty a try with the help of a few props and plenty of imagination. Peeing in the potty is a lot more fun if you do it rocket style, cowboy style, or superhero style!
Inspired by Dr. Spector's own experiences potty training his son, this combination of laugh-out-loud scenarios and useful advice turns the dreaded potty-training process into an exciting adventure for all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805097733
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	04/14/2015
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	1 - 4 Years

About the Author

Dr. Todd Spector is a family practitioner living and working in Santa Monica, California. He also runs an online program promoting community and family health, and enjoys surfing and spending time with his children. How to Pee is his first book.
Arree Chung is the author and illustrator of Ninja! Before entering the world of children's books, he worked in video games as a designer and art director and earned his degree from the Art Center College of Design. Arree lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his family.

Editorial Reviews

Sure, potty training is important, but how many books emphasize how to urinate with style . . . The lesson is clear: Pee with flair.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Spector, a family physician, approaches toilet training with humor in this unconventional picture book guide....Rendered in acrylic paint, the illustrations skillfully capture the text's amusing tone.” —School Library Journal

“Chung's acrylic and Photoshopped illustrations gleefully interpret the simple four-step instructions for each technique. Spector provides reassuring advice for parents at book's end....Along with Mo Willems's Time to Pee, this book hits the mark.” —The Horn Book

“A promising strategy that fosters imagination skills along with an important physical one.” —Booklist

“Parents...will want to hold up our peeing protagonist as a model. And what little guy wouldn't want to try urinating on command when it's obviously this much of a hoot.” —The Bulletin

From the Publisher

01/01/2015
PreS—Spector, a family physician, approaches toilet training with humor in this unconventional picture book guide. Addressing only boys and their parents, he recommends many playful styles of peeing—as a firefighter, superhero, rock star, and more. These can involve props or simply a child's or a parent's creative banter. Some parents may object to the "Free Style" recommendation to pee outdoors "anywhere, anyplace, anytime," and "Mommy Style" (sitting down on the toilet) might seem sexist to others. This title is not for every family, but some will find it funny and helpful. Of particular usefulness, even for parents of girls, is the author's note; the advice here is credible and reassuring. Spector's six rules are spot-on for those who accept the no-pressure approach to potty training. Rendered in acrylic paint, the illustrations skillfully capture the text's amusing tone. The child depicted here is older than the toddlers in most potty training picture books, and parents of three-year-old boys might welcome seeing an older child learn to become diaper-free. An unusual but intriguing offering.—Maralita L. Freeny, District of Columbia Public Library

School Library Journal

2015-02-03
Sure, potty training is important, but how many books emphasize how to urinate with style? Family practitioner Spector explains that he and his wife potty trained their son using the "free style" method. Translation: Costumes optional. Moved to inspire others, he offers this minihandbook highlighting 10 different styles from which a boy can draw inspiration. There's "Rocket Style," which involves a countdown to "blast off"; "Superhero Style," in which the valiant urinater defeats a villainous square of toilet paper with proper aim; and "Firefighter Style," in which the stream is put to good use extinguishing an imaginary potty fire. For all these and more, wardrobe changes and props are encouraged. Naturally some styles are stronger than others. "Magic Style" makes perfect sense, while "Mommy Style" (in which the child presumably imitates his mother and complains that the toilet seat is up) is just a cheap joke. Parents who would rather their kids not pee outside may wish to avoid "Free Style" and "Waterfall Style," both of which turn the great outdoors into a boy's personal lavatory. Illustrator Chung treats the material with suitable razzle dazzle, imbuing his hero with the heart and soul of a performer while never showing a single penis. A note to parents and a list of basic potty-training rules at the end make this a touchstone for the anxious. The lesson is clear: Pee with flair. (Picture book. 2-4)

Kirkus Reviews