Friday, April 22, 2011

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub (Caldecott Honor Book)
Illustrated by Don Wood. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, San Diego, CA, 1985.
Hardcover edition, 32 pages, ISBN 0-15-242730-9.

King Bidgood's court is shocked and stymied by his refusal to leave his bath for an entire day, and appalled when they are expected to join him for a miniaturized battle, a sumptuous luncheon, pond fishing, and a masquerade ball in the tub. Don Wood's wonderfully detailed exotic scenes complement the simple call and response format of the text. The Page pleads for help in removing the king from the tub, and a different courtier responds to each plea, subsequently failing in their efforts. Finally the Page simply pulls the plug, forcing the towel-clad king to flee.

Great for bathtime story hour for toddlers, but best to pore over the lavishly detailed illustrations at home.

Caldecott Honor Book 1986, ALA Notable Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Narrative skills are enhanced by repetitious sequence of progressive events.

No comments:

Post a Comment