TUB-BOO-BOO

Uh-oh, young Henry Hathaway stuck his big toe into the tub’s faucet, and now it won’t come out. Mother splashes in to the rescue, and so does Dad, only to become prisoners themselves. Where will it end? Not there, as fans of Palatini’s Piggie Pie (1995), Bedhead (2000), and other sidesplitting romps can well predict. In his picture-book debut, Dibley fills sudsy scenes with funhouse mirror figures sporting huge heads atop pipestem bodies, and rubbery faces reminiscent of those in David Shannon’s art (A Bad Case of Stripes, 1998, etc.). Eventually, a plumber disconnects the spout, and a scoop of chocolate chunky chip ice cream dropped into the open end by Henry’s know-it-all big sister Lucy provides the needed lubricant to free everyone. Propelled by alliteration and sound effects, this rapid-fire ruckus will have readers rolling on the floor; it’s the best bathroom brouhaha since Tedd Arnold’s No More Water in the Tub! (1995). (Picture book. 5-8)