Finding Fun in the Splash: A Review of Bath! Bath! Bath! by Douglas Florian
The other day, as I was gearing up for the nightly battle of bath time, I remembered the chaos of this morning’s pancake debacle when I offered too many toppings. You know how it goes—morning mayhem, sticky hands, and syrup-smeared giggles. By the time bedtime rolls around, I need something to make our pre-bath routine a delightful experience instead of a dragging chore. That’s when I came across Bath! Bath! Bath! by Douglas Florian and thought, "This just might do the trick!"
This charming board book is part of the Baby Steps Series, and it’s an absolute gem. As we dove into the pages, my little ones—ages 2 and 4—were instantly captivated. The playful rhyming text invites readers into a world where bath time transforms into a joyous adventure. From washing tiny toes to making the rubber ducky go “quack! quack! quack!”, every page bursts with cheerful anticipation and delightful imagery. The simple, yet catchy lines make it easy to sing along, and I found myself tapping my foot as I turned each page—who knew bath time could inspire an impromptu dance party?
The illustrations, vivid and engaging, helped my kids connect with the characters. They pointed with wide eyes at the colorful depictions of splashing and giggling little creatures in the bath. Every turn of the page felt like an invitation to chuckle and play, which was a much-needed shift from their prior bath-time reluctance. The giggles erupted when they saw the huge, frothy soap bubbles—a visual reminder that bath time isn’t just about getting clean; it’s about having fun!
Their reactions were priceless! My daughter couldn’t contain her excitement when we reached the page with the rubber duckie, shouting “quack!” before looking at me with a mischievous grin. My son, while not known for his love of being scrubbed, suddenly found great joy in “washing” his own toes—who knew that our routine could turn into such an adorable immersion in pretend play?
One line that struck a chord with us was when they sang a playful little ditty about the day being done and how it’s time for bath time fun. That moment bridged the transition from a day of playful chaos to a softer, cozier evening, making the concept of winding down feel inviting rather than tiring.
I wholeheartedly recommend Bath! Bath! Bath! for toddlers aged 1 to 3, especially for little ones who may need a little nudge to embrace their bathtime adventures. Not only will it help ease the transition into bath time, but it’s also a beautiful introduction to rhythmic storytelling. Even after the bath is hauled down the drain, we find ourselves revisiting the book often—each reading brings fresh giggles and delight.
In a world where the chaos of parenting can sometimes overshadow the joys, this book stands as a reminder that there’s magic in the little moments—like a bath filled with bubbles and laughter. I’m grateful to have discovered this treasure that not only enriches our bedtime routine but also strengthens our bond as we turn each colorful page together. Here’s to more splish-splashing and whimsical learning—with Bath! Bath! Bath!, bath time is definitely fun!
Dive into bath time fun with this adorable board book for toddlers! >>
