Discovering Joy in Bathtime: A Review of Clifford’s Bathtime
As a mom, I can admit that bathtime can be a battleground at our house. With two little ones who each have their own opinions about cleanliness (or lack thereof), I often find myself wrestling with tiny limbs while trying to keep splashes to a minimum and smiles to a maximum. While looking through our book collection one evening, I stumbled upon Clifford’s Bathtime by Norman Bridwell, a charming little board book capturing the essence of the small red puppy’s reluctance toward bath-time. I knew it would be perfect for our pre-bath routine!
In Clifford’s Bathtime, we meet Clifford, who is, as always, adorably oversized and utterly lovable, albeit a bit apprehensive about taking a bath. The story follows his journey from hesitation to glee, with engaging illustrations that bring his fluffy cuteness to life. As my oldest flipped through the sturdy pages filled with vibrant colors, both of my kids were immediately drawn into Clifford’s world. My youngest yelled “Puppy!” with delight, while my eldest belly-laughed through Clifford’s silly antics, especially when he slips off the soap.
The book is perfect for little hands, measuring just the right size to manipulate. My ten-month-old loves the fact that she can turn the pages herself, even if her methodology involves using the book as a makeshift teething toy! It’s simple enough for a baby to understand, yet delightful enough to engage an older child. In our busy world, it’s a quick read—around three to five minutes—making it an easy fit into our bedtime routine, where more often than not, I find myself racing against the clock.
One of the sweetest moments during our reading was when my daughter laughed and pointed at Clifford’s goofy expressions. It was a little treasure of connection over our shared amusement. “He looks funny!” she exclaimed, which led us into a delightful conversation about the importance of staying clean—even if it’s not always fun. The themes of embracing new experiences and finding joy in the little things resonated with us all.
Ultimately, I would highly recommend Clifford’s Bathtime to parents of little ones aged baby to preschool. It’s a perfect addition to any family’s bookshelf, especially if bathtime is met with a bit of trepidation. Whether your child is a bath lover or a bath dodger, this book can bring a sense of familiarity and joy, making it a great read to share before the tub time commences.
For us, it has now become a beloved fixture in our evening routine, always evoking giggles, whether we’re laughing at Clifford’s experience or remembering our own bath-time misadventures! If anything, sharing this book has reminded us that adventures, even in something as mundane as taking a bath, can be filled with fun and laughter. ✨🐾
