The Saddest Toilet in the World

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 isn't 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 "there's only one problem"...and mother and son embark on a frantic search for their AWOL bathroom fixture. Ricks's 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: "I've never felt so happy!" the toilet gushes. The potty humor flows freely in Ricks's expressive digital illustrations (e.g., the toilet views Duchamp's Fountain sculpture; its subway stop is Flushing Meadows). Apple's 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