Bath Time Physics

Big Science for Tiny Tots

by Jill Esbaum, WonderLab Group

Splish, splash! Prepare to experience the forces of physics at work. It’s time for Baby’s bath . . .

Ooh! We made a waterfall . . .
Invite your tubby-time friends to join in.

Even Einstein started somewhere, so who’s to say your little genius-to-be won’t find inspiration in the bath? Gather up your gear: floating toys, fluffy towels, warm tub, favorite little lab partner (may take multiple attempts). Place tiny tot in the tub (note water displacement), and proceed to explore buoyancy, gravity, and evaporation. Now it’s time to make waves and see that third law of motion in action. Go, baby, go! Wait, hold on . . . Stop, baby, stop! In a bright, graphic board book leavened with dry humor, photos of happy tykes and a tongue-in-cheek running dialogue are sprinkled with factual asides that define basic concepts of physics. So don your protective goggles—with a bathtub as a lab bench, your precocious little one can master physics every day!

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Childrens, Photography, Nonfiction

24 pages, Board book

Published May 2, 2023

About the author

Jill Esbaum is a full-time writer and author of I am Cow, Hear Me Moo!, I Hatched!, Stanza, and Tom’s Tweet, among many others. She lives on a farm with her husband and children in Dixon, IA.

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This board book from the Big Science for Tiny Tots series by MIT Kids Press offers an engaging introduction to the physics of bath time. Primary narration, with lively onomatopoeia, is set in large bold print on two-page spreads, and is accompanied by colorful photos of toddlers enjoying their bath. Text box insets describe the physics of what's happening, along with definitions of scientific principles. This is a book that can grow along with the preschool set while also providing older siblings and grown-ups an opportunity to expand or brush up on their scientific knowledge. Diverse skin tones and ethnicities are featured.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many of the board books in this vein, I can see what they were going for but it can feel a little forced. However, this title gets many things right-- using clear, diverse photographs that will appeal to babies, exploring fun onomatopoeias that convey meaning, and putting the scientific jargon in a box at the bottom of the page for optional inclusion while reading. Exposing very young children to this kind of vocabulary is important for building background knowledge, and this book allows for that when appropriate.

**Thank you to MIT Kids/ Candlewick Press for providing this book to SWON Libraries Consortium for professional review.**

[A Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel much the same way about this book as I do "Playtime Engineering" by the same author. Again, I love the photos of real children but there is a lot of unnecessary text on the page in various font sizes. Esbaum also encourages children to kick their feet and flap their hands in the bathtub, which I have never heard a parent encourage their child to do, honestly; "Can you make waves, baby? Kick your feet! Flap your hands! Go, baby go!" Perhaps this book should've been about a pool instead. "Did baby like the waves and splashing and bubbles?" Then the child is dried off and goes to bed. The end.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bath Time Physics introduces scientific concepts to little ones and provides the reader with definitions along the way to refresh themselves. The pictures are bright and engaging and this interactive book has the potential to make a big bath time mess, but that is how little ones learn. The note at the back to parents is a good reminder that science is everywhere and it's never too early to talk about it with their children.

Thank you MIT Kids Press for gifting me a copy to review.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable book using photographs for illustration and introducing physics concepts, words, and definitions. Intended to be read to very young children. Basic concepts and definitions help parents with ideas to present to children. Shows bath time as a fun time that can be educational, too.

I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bath Time Physics is an adorable and educational board book! It is so fun! It was a great refresher as an adult! It will undoubtedly teach children lots of fun facts! This would be a great book for older siblings to read to their little siblings because it is such an educational book! This book is so cute!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that it is photographs! The text to read aloud is simple and bold. There are asides to caregivers as well as definitions that don't ruin the flow of the story but can be used to enhance it with older toddlers. Not sure how this would work in a storytime but would be great with a small group where you can try the "experiments" with water.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scientific asides give adults the option to read the big text of a fairly straight forward baby bath time book or to bring in some scientific concepts and vocabulary. I definitely learned a thing or two reading this!

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shared this book in a baby lapsit program because I am always looking for good board books with photographs of real babies. I skipped all the physics bits, which don't really seem intended for babies. Some caregivers might appreciate it though

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic concepts of physics are beautifully introduced in this small, sturdy board book. Wonderful, diverse, real photos of babies/toddlers. MIT press. Very cool.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect first science book with bite size tidbits just right for talking with your baby/toddler.

[Marta-Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent combination of sounds, action words, and bath time fun! Love that it includes advanced vocabulary that you can sprinkle in when talking to your little ones.

[SamSamSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

TALK, background knowledge, PLAY, vocabulary, print awareness

[Maeve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scientific phenomenon experienced during bathtime described in simple terms.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, the babies, love the photos! Although I wish that this were available in a bath book format.