I Want My Potty (by Tony Ross)

The story is basic and easy for the very young listener to understand and to relate to; the pictures are softly colored, appealing, and humorous. (For example, the queen mother wears her tiara on top of the bandanna tied around her head, and there's a gold crown embroidered on her apron!). Children will laugh at the ensuing chaos when the princess feels the need to go while she's playing at the top of the castle. Despite the grown-ups' good intentions, however, the potty arrives too late, and the little princess is left standing in a puddle.

"Is she in trouble?" one 3-year-old asked at the final page. The author could have added a page or two to show that, yes, the princess had an accident but, sure, we all do -- and it's okay. It's not the end of the world.