Review - Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?

Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty?
by Dawn Babb Prochovnic
illustrated by Jacob Souva
Date: 2019
Publisher: West Margin Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

“Howdy, pardner! Where does a cowgirl go potty around here?”

When a cowgirl’s got to go, she’s got to go! As she walks through open pastures and deep canyons, she learns where the bison, hawk, coyote, and other animals go. But time’s a-wasting, so where in the whole West can this cowgirl go potty?! With great humor and playfulness, Where Does a Cowgirl Go Potty? will be sure to delight kids over and over again.

This book is a companion to Where Does a Pirate Go Potty?

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was stupid. And gross. And a little bit sexist.

A poor cowgirl really has to go. But in every spot she tries, some animal comes along and tells her that it's their place to "go potty" (ugh... I hate that phrase). Eventually, after getting pooped on by a hawk and chased out of every possible makeshift bathroom, she breaks into a rancher's house to use his toilet.

What does this teach kids (especially girls)? The only place you're allowed to go is in the toilet? I guess that's fine if you're trying to toilet train, but it's also impractical and inaccurate. If you're out in the wilderness with nary a toilet (or even outhouse) in sight, you're not expected to hold it. Little boys would probably even be encouraged to just go in the woods.

This is so puerile and tacky. The illustrations are okay; the collage-like appearance they have is pleasant to look at. But I really don't like the story, or the writing itself (we're treated to phrases like "leave yer load" and "blast my bloomers"; they may help establish the setting, but they're kind of gross).

This would probably only be suitable for kids in the midst of being toilet trained... and even then, only if their parents can stomach the oft-repeated phrase, "go potty".

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 1/5

Overall: 2.17 out of 5