I imagine that some prudish parents will be put off by Gomi's explicit (but charming) pictures of animals and humans taking "poops" of all shapes, sizes, and colors. But Gomi's basic message is sound: relieving one's bowels is a normal part of our everyday lives. In a world where too many people are too embarrassed to ask their doctor about colorectal cancer and other "poop"-related health problems, Taro Gomi's book is especially valuable. If the child (or parent) who enjoys this book feels less squeamish about discussing colorectal health concerns at a later time, than Gomi will have done more than just entertain; the author may have also helped save a life. So buy "Everyone Poops" and share it with the ones you love.


very funny book to aid toilet learning   December 30, 2000
 92 out of 96 found this review helpful

A hilarious book showing many kinds of animals, their poop, and describing where and how they poop (e.g. while walking). Also reviewed are the ways a baby poops in a diaper, small child in a potty, and older children and adults on a toilet. Hysterical graphics such as rear view of child sitting on toilet with the poop in midair, which we see between the gap in his buttock cheeks. Other scenes demonstrate how the toilet is flushed and the poop is washed down the pipes.

Illustrations are cartoon like. This was originally published in Japan and therefore the human characters are all Asian. How lucky for us English-speaking parents to have this translated version!

The goal of this book is to review with the child the progression of moving from diapers to toilets. It is a funny way to talk about poop with the child. Every child who has seen our book laughs out loud. Many adults who have seen our book think it is so funny. The exception is my husband who thinks this is just gross. If you need to interject some humor in the toilet learning process, read this to your child!


Questionable Facts   May 28, 2000
 45 out of 121 found this review helpful

This book states that "Everyone Poops." I don't.


Campy, wonderful coffee table book   November 4, 2000
 28 out of 33 found this review helpful

My husband and I saw this wonderful gem of a book in a local store and laughed hysterically as we read it aloud.

Not because the book is rediculous or clownish or at all in bad taste. On the contrary -- parents will find "Everyone Poops" to be an invaluable and tasteful way to introduce the realities of "Number Two" to their potty-training preschoolers.

We laughed because it was very refreshing to see this subject treated in such an earnest, straightforward fashion. All too often, certain body parts and their functions are considered somehow shameful or taboo. If we are, as many people believe, divinely fashioned by our Creator, how then can we believe any part of us is less than divine? This book is a valuable first step in learning about one of our bodies' entirely natural processes.

Besides that, the book is a perfect antidote for jaded adult sensibilities. Admit it -- indulging in a little harmless fixation on bodily functions now and then can be a lot of fun. If you don't believe me, ask your child to sing you the verses to "Diarrhea" and see if you don't secretly find yourself wanting to sing along.

"Everyone Poops" was our Christmas gift to my husband's younger, bachelor brother. We told him it was the ultimate coffee table book, and I plan to buy a copy for our coffee table too (When we get a coffee table, that is).


Left my child very confused...   May 5, 2004
 28 out of 45 found this review helpful

First of all, what's up with the apple on the cover of this book? My child now thinks that not just everyone, but everyTHING poops! I have explained to him at least 4 times now that no, apples do not poop, but he continues to tell his friends. The other day he saw a squirrel with an acorn, and he asked me if the acorn was tree poop. This book, while sort of funny, is obviously misleading. The illustrations also portray pooping to be a very jolly event, and my child, who I was trying to potty train at the time that I read him this book, think's it's very cute to poop in his pants, and everywhere else for that matter. I do not recommend this book to any parents trying to teach their child about potty training.