Dear Fellow-Parents, Once Upon a Potty is best used as a companion volume to a child's new potty. I wrote this book when my own child was toilet training to help him better understand the process. My son was encouraged and excited by this story. It motivated him to make the developmental leap from diaper to potty. Potty talk has long been considered taboo in conversation -- even between parent and child. Thankfully, this attitude is changing, and children and parents are all the happier for it. I believe that a frank and open approach to all bodily functions is a good, healthy attitude toward child rearing. I have decided to use "Wee-Wee" and "Poo-Poo" in this book, but I encourage you to read the story with your child using words most suitable for you and your family.

Learning to use the potty is often a lengthy process, taxing the patience of both parent and child. When success finally comes -- and it should come in its own good time without undue pressure or haste -- it enhances the child's confidence and pride. She has taken another step toward independence. She sat on the potty as a little child and got up feeling ten feet tall. It's one small step for mankind, but a giant one for your family. Love, Alona.