A celebration of bodies: The Big Bath House
Today’s picture book pick is…
The Big Bath House
Created by Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang
Published by Random House Studio in 2021
Summary
Experience the ritual of prepping, soaking, and connecting in the big bath house.
First line
“When you get to Baachan’s place, you’ll forget about all the time that’s passed and everything that happened to get you there.”
Favorite line
“You’ll all dip your bodies, your newly sprouting, gangly bodies, your saggy, shapely, jiggly bodies, your cozy, creased, ancient bodies. Beautiful bodies.”
I love Kyo’s choice to write this story in second person. It immersed me in the bath house ritual, and I loved feeling like a part of it. My family never had traditions or rituals, so it was extra special to experience how rituals can create connection, even across language barriers.
I’m a huge fan of Gracey Zhang. Her expressive lines make her characters dance across the page. We feel the excitement of prepping and then the calm of soaking, all through her use of line. I love how she portrays all different body types — she celebrates each one.
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Purchase a copy from your local bookstore and leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads.