Everyone Poops
by Taro Gomi
Taro Gomi published this book in Japan in 1977 under the title Minna Unchi, and it has not been out of print since. It was translated into English in 1993 and has been causing parental awkwardness at bedtime ever since.
The book’s thesis is stated in its title and then illustrated with the thoroughness of a scientific paper. Various animals poop. The poops differ in size and shape, proportional to the animal. Humans poop. This is presented as neither shameful nor remarkable. It simply is.
Japanese parents have been using it for half a century to toilet-train children, and it works, because the book treats the subject with the matter-of-fact dignity it deserves.
The controversy is that some parents find themselves unable to read it aloud in public. These parents need to read the book again. Everyone poops. This is the lesson. There is no subtext.
Rated 4.8 stars on Amazon. The one-star reviews are funnier than this description.