In a kind of "Sword in the Stone" for the toilet-training set, Freeman (illus. of Shanti) offers a tale of a potty that has appeared in the jungle with a note reading, "Only the best bottom of all will fit on this potty." A parade of posterior-proud animals tries to claim ownership, but their bottoms are far too big. The rightful owner? A small African child—for even though his bottom lacks stripes or spots or fur, it is undeniably a perfect fit. "He hasss gone pee-pee in the potty!" announces Snake, and all the animals agree they are in the company of "the best bottom of all!" Consisting mostly of dialogue, the text is jaunty and jokey ("Bend your knees more, or you'll fall over!" Zebra tells the squatting Giraffe). The jewel-toned watercolor palette suggests the exotic beauty of the setting, while the compositions reflect a lively sense of play as animals frequently poke their heads through the illustrations' idiosyncratic frames. Kids will revel in the potty humor and in seeing so many amusing bottoms. Ages 1½-3. (Mar.)
