Potty Time

Parents desirous of a subtle way of instructing their children in the habits of elimination may turn up their noses at this book's brazen approach as Millie, nearly two, gets potty-trained. Her older sister, age five, is shown sitting on the toilet, because she wants to ``make Number One or Number Two.'' Millie ``makes a big Number Two,'' and brings in the family to view it. She becomes proficient: on a picnic she ``makes Number One outside''; she takes the potty seat in the car and successfully exhibits good training; there is even an odd scene of her sitting next to a smiling friend, also on a potty. Langley's illustrations convey a cheery household coping with a natural function, but the text lacks finesse, seeming to encourage openness while clouding the issues with euphemisms. Ages 2-4. (June)