Kirkus Reviews QR Code
THE GREEN BATH by Margaret Mahy

THE GREEN BATH

by Margaret Mahy ; illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Pub Date: July 1st, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-545-20667-9
Publisher: Levine/Scholastic

A very imaginative boy has the bath adventure of a lifetime.

While his lucky neighbors score a speedboat from the flea market, Sammy’s dad comes home with a green claw-foot bathtub. Before his get-ready-your-grandmother-is-coming-to-visit bath, Sammy thinks he sees some strange things about the tub, and he is proven right when he gets in: As he sings while relaxing in the tub, the tub jiggles and jumps along before breaking free of the bathroom. The two make their way to the shore, where the green bath enters the sea. Mermaids, a sea serpent, Treasure Island and some buccaneers figure in the duo’s adventures. A fierce battle ensues before Sammy, the sea serpent and the green bath emerge victorious. The wet pair make their way back home on the bath’s claw feet, Sammy’s family none the wiser—except for the huge treasure chest. Throughout, read-aloud master Mahy dabbles with alliteration. Kellogg’s familiar style fills the pages with details aplenty, the fantasy coming alive before readers’ eyes. The pages with the buccaneers are especially busy. A rumpus in the bathroom that readers are sure to try to emulate, even if only in their imaginations—lay down some towels before filling the tub! (Picture book. 4-8)