Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Kim Peek

I'll admit that I may well be the only person on Earth who does not "get" this book. I'll state what I see as the facts. If it sounds intriguing, pick up the book. My one bit of advice: Let the buyer beware.

Little Monkey says, "I can pee really well." He wants to start a peeing circus. Mimi doesn't want to be left out of the show. She wants to pee too. This part of the book is cute and is probably appropriate for young, potty training children. Kids will get this message--everyone wants to be a big kid! Peeing is cool!

This is where I have difficulty with the book. I think this book tries to go for the shock value of potty humor. Unfortunately, it goes beyond the humor of farting dogs and books like "Everyone Poops" when it discusses the differences between boy and girl parts.

The text on the first page of the book says, "Little Monkey had a little peepee. He showed it to Mimi." The illustration shows Little Monkey's pants down and Mimi's head waist-high looking at his peepee. At another point in the book, Little Monkey takes a look at Mimi. Her tutu is up and her pants are down. He says, "Your peepee is gone." She says, "Don't you want to look for it?"

I see two stories here--one is a celebration of peeing. The other, a discussion of private parts. I feel it's a shame the boy/girl parts were brought up. While this book may work for some families, it doesn't work for mine. Private parts are private. Even toddlers need to learn that it's not okay to check out other people's bodies.

This book is a celebration of peeing with gross out humor. I realize the author and illustrator had no sexual intent. However, we live in a time when we must protect our children. This includes teaching them to respect their bodies and the privacy of others at a young age.

If you love potty humor, you may enjoy this book. But, let the buyer beware.