📖 Overview
Alona Frankel is an Israeli author and illustrator best known for her children's books and educational literature, particularly her potty-training series that includes "Once Upon a Potty." Born in Krakow, Poland in 1937, she survived the Holocaust as a Jewish child in hiding before immigrating to Israel in 1949.
Her most widely recognized work, "Once Upon a Potty," has been translated into multiple languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide since its publication in 1975. The book exists in two versions - one for boys and one for girls - and uses simple illustrations and straightforward language to address toilet training.
In addition to her children's literature, Frankel has written for adults, including her memoir "Girl from the Warsaw Ghetto" which details her experiences during World War II. Her work spans over 40 books, combining her skills as both author and illustrator.
Throughout her career, Frankel has received various awards for her contributions to children's literature and has been recognized for her distinctive illustration style that combines clarity with emotional warmth. Her books continue to be used by parents and educators as valuable tools for childhood development and education.
👀 Reviews
Parents consistently rate Frankel's "Once Upon a Potty" series highly for its clear, direct approach to toilet training. Readers appreciate the anatomically correct terminology and simple illustrations that children can understand.
What readers liked:
- Clear, matter-of-fact language without cutesy euphemisms
- Durable board book format
- Effective teaching tool that children relate to
- Illustrations that are easy for toddlers to follow
What readers disliked:
- Some found the anatomical terms too clinical
- Repetitive narrative style
- Dated illustrations
- Some parents object to the naked illustrations
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.7/5 from 4,800+ reviews
Goodreads: 4.1/5 from 2,900+ reviews
One parent noted: "This book helped my daughter understand the concept in just a few days." Another wrote: "The dated look actually adds to its charm - my kids loved it just like I did 30 years ago."
For her memoir "Girl from the Warsaw Ghetto," readers praised her honest portrayal of survival but some found the translation rough.
📚 Books by Alona Frankel
Once Upon a Potty — Girl
An illustrated guide explaining potty training and bathroom functions to young girls, featuring a character named Prudence.
Once Upon a Potty — Boy An illustrated guide explaining potty training and bathroom functions to young boys, featuring a character named Joshua.
Girl to Girl: The Real Deal on Growing Up A puberty and body development guide addressing physical and emotional changes for pre-teen girls.
A Book for Every Child A children's story exploring themes of diversity and individuality through simple illustrations and text.
My Baby Sister A picture book depicting a young child's experience of welcoming a new sibling into the family.
And We Will Learn to Get Along An illustrated book teaching young children about conflict resolution and friendship.
A Good Place for a Baby A picture book following various animals as they search for safe places to care for their young.
Once Upon a Potty — Boy An illustrated guide explaining potty training and bathroom functions to young boys, featuring a character named Joshua.
Girl to Girl: The Real Deal on Growing Up A puberty and body development guide addressing physical and emotional changes for pre-teen girls.
A Book for Every Child A children's story exploring themes of diversity and individuality through simple illustrations and text.
My Baby Sister A picture book depicting a young child's experience of welcoming a new sibling into the family.
And We Will Learn to Get Along An illustrated book teaching young children about conflict resolution and friendship.
A Good Place for a Baby A picture book following various animals as they search for safe places to care for their young.
👥 Similar authors
Margaret Wise Brown writes children's books focused on daily routines and bedtime rituals. Her work shares Frankel's straightforward approach to early childhood experiences and developmental stages.
Fred Rogers creates books that help children understand their emotions and life transitions. His writing style addresses young readers directly about potentially difficult topics, similar to Frankel's approach in her toilet training books.
Jamie Lee Curtis writes children's books that tackle everyday childhood challenges and milestones. Her books focus on self-acceptance and common childhood experiences, paralleling Frankel's practical handling of growing-up topics.
Stan and Jan Berenstain create stories about daily life situations and childhood learning experiences. Their work addresses common childhood fears and developmental stages through relatable family scenarios.
Robie H. Harris writes books about body awareness and growing up for young children. Her work provides factual information about bodies and development in an age-appropriate way that mirrors Frankel's direct educational approach.
Fred Rogers creates books that help children understand their emotions and life transitions. His writing style addresses young readers directly about potentially difficult topics, similar to Frankel's approach in her toilet training books.
Jamie Lee Curtis writes children's books that tackle everyday childhood challenges and milestones. Her books focus on self-acceptance and common childhood experiences, paralleling Frankel's practical handling of growing-up topics.
Stan and Jan Berenstain create stories about daily life situations and childhood learning experiences. Their work addresses common childhood fears and developmental stages through relatable family scenarios.
Robie H. Harris writes books about body awareness and growing up for young children. Her work provides factual information about bodies and development in an age-appropriate way that mirrors Frankel's direct educational approach.