Review by Booklist Review
This particular picture book eschews the notion that toilets can be scary things. Instead, it follows a family whose toilet the most user-friendly-looking apparatus imaginable runs away from home because he feels rejected by young Danny, who, for unspecified reasons, is not ready to sit on him. Danny and his mother search the city for their toilet, checking everywhere from public restrooms to toilet showrooms, before finally catching him about to exit the subway at Flushing Meadows, where Danny declares he is ready to sit. Back home, Danny sits, flushes, and then rushes out with his parents (and the no-longer-sad toilet) to celebrate with a ride on the #2 roller coaster. The uncomplicated text and the cheery illustrations, full of humorous touches, set a playful tone that will fit the bill for families looking for a lead-in to a discussion on transitioning to using a grown-up commode as well as those who just want a giggle-inducing read.--Enos, Randall Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
"I simply can't go on like this.... It's just too hurtful." That's a toilet talking, and he's upset because Danny, who should be making the next big leap in toilet training, refuses to sit on him. Packing his bags and taking the plunger, the toilet hits the streets of New York City, making stops at a museum to contemplate Duchamp's Fountain and Times Square, where he grumpily obliges some tourists with a photo. Danny, who has finally decided that he is ready, is in hot pursuit with his family; reunited, the toilet's confidence is restored when Danny does the deed and notes-in a not-so-subtle nudge to readers-"That was fun!" Ricks's (the Data Set series) bright digital cartoons land every big and small visual joke (note the Potsdam sticker on the toilet's luggage) and together with newcomer Apple's surprisingly tasteful text, the result is a mashup of toilet humor and self-esteem lit that's as lemony fresh as a newly scrubbed bowl. Ages 3-7. Author's agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Minju Chang, Bookstop Literary. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Toddler-PreS-One of the most creative toilet-training stories ever to make it to print. Danny, like many toddlers before him, is reluctant to touch his tush to the toilet. Understandably wounded by this flagrant rejection, despite Danny's mother's assurances, the toilet decides to pack up its things and disappear into the night. When Danny realizes that his throne is gone, he sets out to find it and promises to finally give it a try. Ricks's hilarious cartoon artwork plays up the humor of a traveling toilet. The final scene shows the triumphant family, toilet in tow, going for a celebratory ride in a roller-coaster car labeled "#2." VERDICT Readers who can get on board with the outlandish premise might just find that this story is bizarre enough to work its magic. For one-on-one and family sharing.-Jenna Boles, Greene County Public Library, Beavercreek, OH © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Potty training is serious business for all involved, but what of the unsung toilet? Does anyone consider its feelings? Apple and Ricks do just that in this laugh-out-loud respite from charts, rewards, and accidents. Young Danny isnt ready to pee in the potty, despite his parents gentle encouragement. The thin-skinned toilet, feeling unloved and unappreciated, packs its plunger in a suitcase and heads dejectedly out into the night. The next morning Danny is willing, but "theres only one problem"and mother and son embark on a frantic search for their AWOL bathroom fixture. Rickss cartoon illustrations show the two looking "in all the wrong places"; the visibly relaxed toilet, however, seems to be enjoying its touristy foray into what appears to be New York City. A chance meeting on the subway leads to a tentative rapprochement and eventually back home to the bathroom, where Danny immediately sits on the potty for an inaugural pee: "Ive never felt so happy!" the toilet gushes. The potty humor flows freely in Rickss expressive digital illustrations (e.g., the toilet views Duchamps Fountain sculpture; its subway stop is Flushing Meadows). Apples restrained text helps the preposterous scenario float. A celebratory roller coaster ride nods to the ups-and-downs of this rite of passage and hints at challenge number two (get it?). Reluctant potty-goers might be encouraged to hit the head after this ridiculous adventure. kitty flynn (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Feeling hurt because young Danny refuses to sit on it, a toilet heads forbrowner pastures. Danny will happily sit on chairs and sofas, but the commode makes him anxious. Considerably bummed ("He hates me"), said fixture at last packs its plunger and departsthe very night before Danny decides it's finally time. As the toilet leisurely takes in a movie, visits an art museum, and poses for photos with tourists, Danny and his mom set off on a frantic search through "all the wrong places" (port-a-potties and public restrooms) before sighting their quarry at last on the subway to (where else) Flushing Meadows. Reconciliation ensues, differences are papered over, and one reminder to flush later, the whole family (toilet included) rushes away to celebrate. Ricks endows his angst-y porcelain protagonist with anthropomorphic facial features and deposits it and Danny's family in a New York(ish) setting splashed with suggestive ads ("Feeling Drained?") and signage. Danny and his mom have red hair and pale skin, while Danny's dad has black hair and somewhat darker skin. Aside from the visual innuendo, there is nary a whiff of what might be going into the toilet (nor any mention of urination), and the focus seems to be more on alienation issues than excretory give and take. Still, the episode may give children who share Danny's anxiety a handle on their feelings. How many toilet-training manuals take the toilet's side? (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
