Poopy Pants and Potty Rants by Dale Thomas

Illus. by Alison Mutton. Albert Street Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781760876883.
(Age: 2-5) Highly recommended. With gorgeous illustrations by Alison Mutton, this hilarious story is one to bring a smile to the faces of all parents and would be an ideal gift for those with young children. AFL star Dale Thomas has written a heart-warming story about the trials and joys of toilet training. Rather than concentrating on his football career, he has written a humorous and encouraging book that will be a helpful guide for parents and one that gives a very positive slant on being a father.
Hey there, kiddo! The time is right for you.
You're going to learn the big-kid way to do a wee and poo!
From then on, the story goes through a series of familiar but funny occasions of all the times that toilet training is necessary. Both the narrative and the illustrations create an upbeat look at toilet training. There are little hints along the way about toilet training and a reward chart and 120 stickers can be found at the back of the book.
The illustrator has used her extensive skills in portraying Dale Thomas himself and his little daughter Tilly as he tries to show her how to go to the toilet. The warmth of the family unit, with scenes of family barbeques, children playing boisterously and father and mother cheering the little girl on are delightful. Readers will be entranced by the pictures of daily life, and love to follow the antics of the little cat and dog that are featured on most pages.
Poopy Pants and Potty Rants is a winner! It made me smile the whole way through and will be a must have for parents who are trying to toilet train a child.
Pat Pledger