King Bidgood's in the Bathtub

by Audrey Wood, Don Wood (Illustrator)

In this delightful story, the king refuses to leave his bathtub and rule the kingdom. Beauty aside, this book also has a panache and sly wit that will please children and their parents, who will be called on to peruse the story again and again.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Storytime, Fantasy, Royalty

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Audrey Wood studied art and drama at the Arkansas Art Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. She has owned an operated a book and import store, taught chldren's drama and art, and traveled throughout Mexico and Guatemala studying Indian folk art. She now lives in Hawaii with her talented family (husband Don and son Bruce, who have both collaborated with Audrey by illustrating some of her books).

Reviews

[Gail Carriger · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood is also characterized by simple clean vocabulary but has some of the most miraculous and intricate drawings I've ever seen, by Don Wood. I love the premise (of refusing to get out of a bath) and I can still stair for hours at the detail in those amazing full page illustrations. (It helps that the artist's model for the king, Harry Bidgood, was a family friend.)

[Calista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this silly story. It is whimsical, funny and unexpected. The children loved it. They laughed the whole way through.

This is a beginning rhyming story of a King who won’t get out of the bathtub. The page asked for help to get him out. People try and plan an event to get him out of the tub, like the Queen who wants to do lunch. The King just has the person do the event in the tub. The page set out lunch in the tub and the Queen got in the tub with her dress. The kids giggled and giggled. The king does battle and has a masquerade ball in the tub. It’s the page who had the answer all along.

I love the artwork of this story. It’s lovely with such a funny subject matter.

Both children gave this 5 stars. The niece thought this hilarious and silly. The nephew thought this was one of the best books ever (no robots or monsters). They both laughed at the king being naked with all these people in the tub with him. This is a hit in our house.

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

King Bidgoood's in the Bathtub is a fun, rollicking and engagingly entertaining bath-time story, although for me, it is Don Wood's descriptively gorgeous and simply marvellous illustrations that really do make this story oh so special, as Audrey Wood's narrative, albeit of course lively and humorous, is in my opinion also somewhat predictable and mundane, especially when compared to the rich detail of Don Wood's accompanying and minutely descriptive pictorial images. In fact, I could readily imagine the illustrations without the narrative (as there is more than enough depicted detail and information for either children or parents/caregivers to figure out what has been occurring without the need of and for a text or to even make up their own imaginative stories and tales), but I could not really imagine the narrative of King Bidgood's in the Bathtub without the illustrations (as without the latter, Audrey Wood's text really would massively fizzle out and almost disappear). And while my GR friend Abigail points out in her own excellent review that the accompanying CD really does make the narrative come spectacularly and brilliantly alive, since my library copy of King Bidgood's in the Bathtub unfortunately does not come with said CD, I have not had the opportunity to listen to it and judge this for myself (if this is indeed true to and for me).

Now King Bidgood's in the Bathtub is, of course, primarily a humorous and silly bath-time story for young children (or also, of course, a post bath bedtime story). However, I could also well imagine perhaps using King Bidgood's in the Bathtub with older children to perhaps discuss the many duties of a monarch, and why it might not necessarily be particularly beneficial or positive for a kingdom to have a monarch, a leader, who spends hours upon hours of his/her time soaking in the tub instead of governing, instead of working for the good of his/her kingdom. And the amusing conclusion of King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, but especially the fact that it is the King's page (a so-called commoner) and not the Queen, the Knight, the Duke etc. who finally knows how to get King Bidgood out of the tub, could also be used to engender discussions and debates regarding social position, the historic roles of servants and perhaps even the entire class system.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a page cries out that King Bidgood’s in the bathtub and refuses to leave, many have some ideas as to how to coax their monarch out, but nothing seems to work. Going to war, eating, fishing... they all seem like useful ideas to get the king away from his ducky, but the King remains firmly rooted in the bathtub. Just as everyone runs out of ideas, the page has one more that might work... Neo always liked baths and playing in there, but he also knew the importance of getting out when requested. When the final solution presented itself, Neo laughed and said that he wished he had thought of that sooner.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has unusually gorgeous and sophisticated illustrations for a children’s picture book; they’re amazing.

The story has a really fun premise and an amusing conclusion.

Children who either love or hate baths might feel particularly gleeful because of the story, but it’s a great book for all children.

(note for vegan children: there is a "fishing" scene)

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub” is a wonderfully humorous story from the creative mind of Audrey Wood, along with beautiful illustrations from Don Wood. This book also won a Caldecott Honor Book Award, which it richly deserves this honor as the book is a great humorous experience that many children would enjoy for many years to come.

Audrey Wood’s comical storytelling of this book makes it an instant classic to read as it is full of witty humor and clever verses. The scenes that I really enjoyed were the scenes where King Bidgood does every activity that his upper class officials suggest to him inside the bathtub, which is a humorous sight to see. Don Wood’s illustrations are all beautiful and humorous as he delightfully illustrates the King enjoying every activity suggested in the bathtub such as the image of King Bidgood eating lunch inside the tub and all the food being place between him and the Queen. Also, the characters themselves look aristocratic and lively as they all dress in Victorian Era clothing and their facial expressions are hilarious as they have worried expressions on their faces as they pondered how to get the King out of the bathtub.

“King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub” is a wonderful book that is full of creativity and good humor about the King’s obsession with staying inside the bathtub and is certainly suitable for children of all ages since there is nothing inappropriate about this book.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight!!! I was grinning the whole way through this fun tale of King Bidgood who simply WON'T get out of the bathtub--not for a battle, not for lunch, not for a dance... Why? Because everything can be done in the bathtub and, of course, it is so much more fun in there! The illustrations are just spot-on superb--the expressions of extreme joy on the king's face, the dismay and chagrin of the knight, queen, the duke, the court as they are lured into the king's bathtub antics... the wise little page who somehow manages to solve all their problems. The detail and humor is outstanding. And I know my five-year-old self would have been absolutely infatuated with the idea of the king being in the bathtub :-D This book really made me want to take a bath so it might even be a good one for any reluctant young bathers out there ;-> Huge thanks to Chandra for recommending this to me!

[Crystal Marcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 22 month old daughter loved this book! She was excited about every pages and talked about what was going on while I read the story. She enjoyed the CD in a car ride shortly after. I watched her face (I wasn't driving) and she kept smiling. She is very fond of bath time so she really got a kick out of this book. I was delighted to see her enjoying this book so much. The illustrations are superb, capturing the mood and expressions on everyone's faces so well. It was vibrantly detailed. I am so glad it won a Caldecott Honor Book Award.

The story was fun for the both of us. I enjoyed the humor of it and my daughter enjoyed the rhythm of it. The book says it is for ages 4-8. I would say children possibly as young as 1 would find this book amusing.

Thank you again Picture Book Club for another great month of themed reads!
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5...

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, when my children were much younger, I bought this book at their elementary school library book sale. The story itself is both simple and funny. Clearly told, the king refuses to leave his bathtub to rule his kingdom. This puts his page into a tizzy, exasperates his wife and has his court settling into a vexation. I appreciated each person's common-sense approach to tackle their frustration. The king was undeniably contented to staying where he was at.

But let's get to the nitty-gritty: the illustrations were absolutely awesome. Hands-down, Don Wood's characters had the most realistic expressions, not to mention their wondrous clothes. The heart of the matter is this picture book is a masterpiece. I dare anyone to not at least smile while reading the story.

This children's book is one of my family's all time favorites and, believe me, we've read quite a few stories. By the time you are on the last page you won't believe what a sensible solution takes place. Buy this book for your children. Purchase it for your grandchildren. Or, secretly, acquire it for yourself. You will be glad you did!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I am being harsh about some of the Caldecott books that I have been reading, but I am just trying to be true to how the book effected me. Yes, the illustrations are superb and the story is funny, it might even be perfect for that child who doesn't like getting out of the tub. If I am honest, though, I didn't like the dreary, colored pictures and I found the concept of people getting in the tub with the king.... Well odd. Lol.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Don Wood's whimsical stlye of illustrating. Pictures are full of detail and text is fun to read.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a favorite picture book of mine for a long time. I love Don Wood's use of light and shadow, and all the gorgeous details of the various tub scenes. I think my favorite is either lunching in the tub or fishing in the tub. Each illustration completely transforms bathtime from something mundane into something extraordinary. I also love the king's jovial face, which lights up with mischief each time he invites someone to "Come in!" And of course, who doesn't love a story where the youngest and smallest turns out to be the only one who can save the day? I love the page as hero just as much as I love the grown-up king as the incorrigible little boy.

Read at Family Story Time on 6/27/11: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read during a Pre-K class visit on 1/19/12: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at Preschool Story Time on 4/4/12: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at Drop-In Story Time on 7/26/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at Saturday Family Story Time on 7/27/13: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at Moms Club Story Time on 5/13/15: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at preschool story time on 1/11/17: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

Read at a royalty-themed family story time at my house on 7/12/19: https://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com...

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Fantasy

2. This silly yet addicting tale of a king who refuses to get out of the tub and instead tries to do all his everyday activities IN the tub will capture your heart and tickle your funny bone. But will the Page ever be able to get the King out of the tub -in time for dinner?!

3. Critique
a. The repetitive manner of this book will engage young readers and have them shouting the lines right along with you! Its perfectly written for PK and Kindergardeners.
b. The appropriateness of the book is perfect. The language and humor used will attract all young readers and this is one of those books they'll be begging you to read over and over again!
c. "Help! Help!" cried the Page when the sun got hot. "KIng Bidgood's in the bathtub, and he won't get out!" repeats itself on every other page. Students will easily pick this up and be "reading" right along with you.

4. This book would make for a great tool in getting young readers to read on their own. Once they had been read to a few times, the repetitive nature of the book will allow them to easily memorize its parts. Young readers often need reassurance while reading and this book offers that in it repetitive sentences and simple answers. Plus, it'll knock the socks off your 1st and 2nd graders when they hear about all the funny things the King is doing IN THE BATHTUB! Overall, I'd use this book at a tool to get young readers reading on their own. I would probably start out by reading it a few times together as a whole group and then leave it in the classroom library for them to pick up at their leisure.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a funny and superbly illustrated story that will entertain children of all ages.

The narrative is simple and repetitive, which will please even toddlers. And the expressions and comic illustrations are fun to pore over for the smallest details.

My only complaint is that the illustrations are very dark, and it's best to read this book in a well-lit room; we read our bedtime stories in a dimly lit room and it was a little difficult to see all of the details in the picture.

This book was selected as one of the April 2011 Royalty themed reads for the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Book group here at Goodreads.

This story was also selected for the May 2016- Caldecott Honors discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the ending and have used this for several years in a bath story time. However, I really love the music in the filmstrip and would recommend the cd or dvd over the book. 7/22/11

Worked really well at PJ time. 7/17/12

This was a big hit at PJ Story Time again. The 5 year old, 3rd grader and a parent really got into it. 6/18/13

Used for Story Time and it was the most successful of the 3 books. Also used for PJ Story Time and it was a huge hit from preschoolers to grandmas. 6/24/14

Used for both PJ and Story Time again this year. 7/14/15

Had some older children for Story Time and this went over real well. Checked out after program

Used in Baby/Toddler Story Time and for Read in.

[Eve Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should own this book. I don't care how old you are or whether you will ever even have children to read it to. This book belongs in every household! For one thing it has a delightful story, for another every single inch of every single page is a work of art. It's one of the books my children and I would read for hours at a time. Over and over they would beg me to read it. And every page needed to be savored so every page was! Then, when the children were all snug in their beds I'd pick it up to enjoy all by myself. Yes!

[The Book Crusader]

Technically, I watched the episode that this book was featured in. Though I can't for the life of myself remember what the show was. I know it was not Reading Rainbow (which I watched regularly), and I think the show was a blend of human characters and puppets—just like a certain other well known PBS show.

Dammit, why can't I remember you show that I believe was a hybrid of Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street? Has my drinking really gotten so bad that I can no longer remember the shows I enjoyed as a child?

Oh well, perhaps a beer...or eight will make me feel better.

[Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all time favorite children's book. I checked it out nearly every single time I went to the library as a kid (probably from age 4-5?). I finally got my own copy for my 16th birthday, I think.

The story is cute, but the most amazing thing is the illustrations. So many details and so much going on. I would spend hours studying the pictures.

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

i had this book on tape when I was a child but I had NO IDEA it was actually a book. I loved this story. It was goofy and funny. Seeing the illustrations to go with it makes this book even better. It's an absolute favorite and I'm glad I finally got to read the actual book.

[Emily D · Rating 5 out of 5]

To this day I still quote this book whenever I feel like not going out or want to take longer showers.

"Today we lunch in the tub!"

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wealthy refuse to admit a problem exists until it affects them personally, as usual.

But for real though, the pictures in this book are wild. Highly recommended for the faces alone.

[Shelley Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny story with amazing illustrations. Adults may appreciate this even more than the kids....

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Drip, Drop, Splash," / "Drip, Drop, Splash! / My Armor Soon Will Rust! / My Uniform Is Soggy Wet, / My Helmet Plume is Mussed! Ha! Hahaha! I'm so glad that I gave this one a second chance, after reading it on my morning train-ride the other day, and being somewhat less than impressed. What was all the fuss about, I found myself wondering? Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood? In any case, I decided this evening to try it again, this time with the accompanying six-track CD, which provides narration and (hilarious!) musical accompaniment, and I discovered that it was quite amusing after all. I confess: the knight's doo-wap number, quoted above, had me in hysterics! I couldn't stop giggling!

Chosen as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1986, King Bidgood's in the Bathtub provides an amusing bath-time story (especially with the added musical numbers!) sure to appeal to younger children with a taste for silly stories. The illustrations by Don Wood capture all of the fantastical doings, from King Bidgood's bath-side luncheon with the Queen to his fishing venture with the Duke, as well as the expressive faces of the all the "players" in the piece. Definitely one I would recommend, especially to children who don't realize how fun bathing can be - just be sure to get the edition with the CD! Drip, Drop, Splash," everyone!

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the married duo, Audrey and Don Wood, comes this quirky tale about a king who doesn’t want to get out of the tub. Can the Queen or the Duke figure out a way to get him out - no, but someone can!

Ages: 3 - 8

Cleanliness: a man is in a tub with no clothes on. In one scene you can see his butt cheek as he leaves the tub.

[Donna Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't you just hate it when "King Bidgood's in the bathtub and he won't get out"?
This is a wonderful read-to for the child with a brief attention span. The incredible illustrations are so detailed, s/he will find something new every time you read it. The rhythm of the verses is well suited to a four-to-six year old (or earlier, if yours has stopped tearing pages and squirming out of your lap)!

Everyone has a turn trying to get the king out of the tub (and of course, the necessary parts are always covered well with bubbles, until the last page, when they're covered with something else). One of my all-time favorites for small children!

[SamZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

1986 Caldecott Honor - Favorite Illustration: When the Duke and the king go fishing. I love all the fish and turtles and water fowl. The illustrations are so detailed!
This is a fun story about a king who won't get out of the bath tub. So many things can be said about the king neglecting his kingdom and the propriety of the court joining the king in the bathtub, but I can just say that at our house, we thought this was a funny story! K(6.5) loved all the different ideas and every character's faces - especially the Duke when he's picking the squirmy worm off his finger.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an all time favorite. I read it to my first graders today because it's #Readinthebathtubday today. They thought it was the funniest thing, reading in the bathtub, until they saw what King Bidgood did in the bathtub.

I may need to make a shelf for gazing books. I mean there are picture books, and then there are books you can gaze at and still see something new every time you open it. King Bidgood is certainly for gazing.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something on each page to enchant a child, whether it be the absurd situations, the long rickety stairway without a rail, the repetitious lines, or the grand finale. The kids always wait excitedly to tell me what's going to happen before we turn that last page. I should add that I was surprised by how much they liked this book. I would have given it 3 stars without their input.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I strenuously object to this whole notion of getting out of the bath.

Library copy.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are absolutely sumptuous; it's hard to turn the page because you just want to keep staring.