REVIEW: ‘The Prince and the Potty’ by Nicholas Allan

IN 140 CHARACTERS OR LESS:

Royalty + toilet humour = a picture book marriage made in heaven

Who it’s for:

While the book is ostensibly about toilet training, it stands on its own as a humorous book for the 2-5 year olds, trained or not.

A taste:

‘The Baby Royal is growing up… so it’s time to visit the Royal Potty Workshops.

Kings and Queens must learn to use their potties quickly because they cannot rule the country wearing nappies.

Henry VI was only nine months old when he became King. He got his crown and potty at the same time…’

My thoughts:

At present, my 2 year old’s favourite trick is to shout, randomnly, ‘POO POO’, then turn to us quizzically and say ‘Is that funny?’

Well, yes it is. And while I’m no advocate for potty-mouthed toddlers, there’s no denying that toilet humour is funny – at any age.

Kids (and parents) are quite fascinated by what comes out of their bodies, and by the anatomy that makes it all possible. Let’s put it this way – little boys are never stuck for something to play with when they’re naked.

And here’s another thing we seem to be slightly obsessed with – the British monarchy. So, a story about the little prince and his potty is a perfect storm of fabulousness.

The water-colour illustrations are cute and comical, I adore the union-jack cover, and the text is totally hilarious – you only have to look at Nicholas Allan’s other titles (which include Cinderella’s Bum, The Queen’s Knickers and Jesus’ Day Off) to see that kiddy comedy is his specialty.

In The Prince and the Potty, the toilet humour is inoffensive (unless you object to the word ‘potty’) – there’s no actual reference to ‘wee’ or ‘poo’ or the mechanics of actually ‘doing it’ – so nothing really to offend those with delicate constitutions.

Added to that, the book has a sweet message – that in the end, people are just people – and while the little prince will one day assume ‘the throne’, he first has to master that other throne.

Preview the book through Random House UK

Buy it from Angus and Robertson or Book Depository