Book Review of I’m Not Pooping
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The Children’s Book Review
I’m Not Pooping
Written by Tanya Harvey
Illustrated by Sara LaBlanc
Ages: 3-6 | 14 Pages
Publisher: Newtown Station Press (2024) | ISBN: 978-1-0691403-0-2
What to Expect: Toileting issues, body awareness, and family support.
Kate and her sister Reese are playing when … a funny smell fills the air. Reese knows what’s going on—she gently suggests her sister needs to poop, but Kate won’t go—she doesn’t want to stop playing! Even when their mum steps in, Kate angrily refuses to go poop. Then, something unexpected happens—the poop shouts for help! It’s trapped in Kate’s bum and wants to come out! That’s when Kate changes her mind and listens to her body—she knows it’s her responsibility to rescue this poop. She rushes to the toilet and lets it out, and the whole family flush the poop away. Well done, Kate!
For a lot of young children, listening to their bodies and knowing when to stop playing and tend to their physical needs can be a real challenge – especially if adults are also anxious or negative about bodily functions. In this instructive and funny picture book, readers will reframe the process of going to the toilet as something to be proud of. They’ll also see adults being understanding and supportive, normalizing both pooping and pooping issues as nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. The two-tone cartoon illustrations emphasize Kate’s discomfort through facial expressions and movements, adding an element of physical humor that will surely make readers laugh.
I’m Not Pooping is a funny, relatable, and empowering tool for reminding readers to listen to their bodies. The story of Kate and her poop predicament is something that many children and parents can relate to, making this book a great way to connect over a shared experience.
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About the Author
Tanya Harvey has always loved art, storytelling, and creativity but was groomed for a traditional career. She started a family and enjoyed all the benefits corporate life could offer. Life was good until it wasn’t. A tough time steered Tanya to seek support, where she was confronted by her greatest fear – dying before giving her creativity and endless ideas a chance. Books, art projects, and business ideas were collecting dust in the back of her head. No one else was going to do them for her! So, with the support of her family, she went all-in on herself and began a new creative chapter as a Children’s Author / Entrepreneur.
Tanya’s design and marketing background and a love of a great story helped kick off her new career path. She wrote her first two children’s books in 2024.
I’m NOT Pooping – a potty book to help kids who don’t want to poop. She wrote this book to support families struggling with withholding issues in hopes they can get through this phase faster than her family did.
12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas is a personal story that captures the rollercoaster of preparing to host during the holidays. Tanya’s family loves to party! They host several holiday events a year, and when they’re not hosting, they’re planning the next one.
Tanya writes about the challenges and triumphs of life as a family of four in Canadian suburbs. She simplifies complex ideas and brings them to life with characters children can relate to.
When she’s not writing, Tanya enjoys exploring nature with her kids, traveling, and planning the next event. She values helping people and the planet and having a great party—because life’s more fun when you celebrate it!
For more information, visit tanyaharvey.ca.
About the Illustrator
Sara LaBlanc is a graphic designer by day and a passionate illustrator at heart. In her free time, she loves to dive into all things creative, but illustration has always been her first love. She observes the world around her and synthesizes it through a unique lens—often with surprising results. For Sara, art, illustration, and visual communication are not just creative outlets but ways to connect deeply with the world.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of I’m Not Pooping. Learn more about getting a book review …
