I'M TERRIFIED OF BATH TIME

A bathtub has serious troubles.

This delightful picture book turns the widespread phenomenon of toddler bathtime fears on its head. In Rich’s ironic narrative, it is a white porcelain tub—not a child—who is most terrified of the hygienic ritual. The tub narrates the story, describing the horrors it is subjected to every time a White, female toddler is given a bath. First, its “eyeballs” (i.e., the faucet handles) get twisted and it gets “so freaked out” as water shoots out of its “nose” (the faucet spout). Then there is the agony of the toddler screaming in its “ear” (the hand sprayer), kicking its nose, and, yes, even pooping in the water. In reference to the scatological incident, the tub acknowledges, “that was a low point for both of us,” a one-liner sure to make adults chuckle in solidarity. But Rich’s real finesse comes in inviting readers to help the tub feel less afraid by making bathtime more relaxed and fun. The book’s skillfully crafted storyline will appeal to children as well as adults working to avoid meltdowns when little ones have a wash. Toro’s digitally composited hand-drawn and hand-painted illustrations—rendered in a limited palette and a cartoony style—are simple but inviting. The artwork effectively and endearingly anthropomorphizes the tub, sink, and toilet and clearly conveys the emotions of both the bathroom fixtures (who would have thought a tub’s terror could be so palpable?) and the human characters.

A refreshing, amusing approach to overcoming ablutophobia in small children.