Finding Joy in the Chaos: A Review of Tubby/Bañito
As a mom of three energetic little ones, bath time is often seen as both a blessing and a battle! I recently found myself in a situation where the kids were running wild after dinner, so I decided to pause for a moment and gather everyone around for a cozy reading session. Enter Tubby/Bañito by Leslie Patricelli—the perfect way to shift the mood and create a moment of connection. I was immediately drawn to this bilingual bath time adventure, knowing how much my kids love the water (and running around naked in the aftermath).
Tubby/Bañito takes us through the delightful, albeit chaotic, experience of bath time for a little one. With charming simplicity, the book showcases a baby jettisoning their diaper—an all-too-familiar scene in our home! The journey to the tub is filled with bubbly imagination as they practice their swimming (or, as my youngest insists, “being a dolphin!”). The writing is playful and light, which kept my kids engaged and giggling, especially during parts where the baby squeals in delight as Mommy washes that one cute little hair.
Leslie Patricelli’s illustrations are absolutely delightful! The bold colors and simple yet expressive drawings captivated my children’s attention, sparking their imaginations and inviting playful interpretations. My eldest loved pointing out the baby’s various antics and asked things like, “Can I make bubbles like that?” in between her giggles. By the end, we had found ourselves lost in a world of bubbles and squeals, mirroring the joy found in Patricelli’s pages.
My favorite moment was when my youngest squealed in laughter as we neared the end, where the baby runs away, shiny clean. It reminded all of us of my little one’s own bath time escapes! We couldn’t help but mimic the running around, making the reading experience interactive, which made it even more memorable. The line “¿Qué es más divertido que ensuciarse? ¡Bañarse!” resonated so deeply, and the kids chimed in together, giggling each time.
This book is perfect for kids aged baby to three years, and is a wonderful tool for making bath time relatable and less daunting. Its bilingual format is a personal touch that I truly appreciate, especially since we’re trying to introduce more Spanish into our household. The balance of English and Spanish makes it accessible for families wanting to immerse their little ones in both languages.
I wholeheartedly recommend Tubby/Bañito to any parent with young children, especially those navigating the hilarious chaos of bath time. It has quickly become a new family favorite—a book we’ll reach for again and again. Amidst the splashes and giggles, it brings a warmth that has solidified its spot on our bedtime reading shelf. Plus, who wouldn’t want to read a book that celebrates both the joy of getting messy and the fun of tub time? It’s a reminder that even in the wild moments, there’s laughter to be found—and that makes every bubble-filled adventure a little brighter.
So here’s to less stress and more laughs during bath time, all thanks to this delightful book! ✨
Dive into a world of bubbles and fun with Tubby/Bañito! >>
