King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood

When I initially started looking for children's books (I was about 6 months pregnant with my first), there was one book that I really, REALLY wanted but could not figure out the name of it.  I knew that I loved the story as a child, I looked forward to reading time because of this book, but I just could not remember anything except for one image.

Here is that image that I had in my head:

I just remembered a page boy going up the stairs and that it had to do something with him helping a king.  

So, my only option was just to google "page boy king children's book"

Lo, and behold......the book showed up instantly.  I guess there are not many books out there about a page boy and a king for children.

So here is one of my childhood favorites.  One that I desperately wanted to own but didn't, but thank goodness to school libraries so I could indulge.

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood   (1985)

Caldecot Honor Book

 The story is very simple but incredibly imaginative.  The king is in the bathtub and refuses to get out!  As an adult, I can now understand why he didn't want to get out.  I probably take 20 minute showers just because that is my only time I get to myself.  But this king, while refusing to get out, prefers to conduct all of his business (now don't think dirty) in that tub.  From eating to planning out war, he just won't leave that tub despite his loyal servant's suggestions.

 Now, let me talk about the greatest thing about this book.  I absolutely LOVE the illustrations.  Don Wood is fantastic.  He's an artist....he IS an artist.

Look at these details and the life of the pages.  They seem real without looking too real.  I love it, did I mention that?

Don & Audrey Wood are an absolutely amazing team.  They are husband and wife and have collaborated on about 20 books.  I commend them for making unique, beautiful children's books that I'm sure my kids will love.  You will definitely see more of these two in other posts since I have other stories by them.

This is a great book and a MUST HAVE for your child's library or at least to check out at the library.  I actually have two copies of this book.  I bought one from Thriftbooks.com cause I just couldn't wait for a thrift store find and another copy that I did find at the thrift store a few months ago that was an early printing with a dust jacket.  You can't pass that up.

WHERE TO BUY?

Thriftbooks.com - $3.59 with .99 cent shipping USED.  If you order $10 or more, you get free shipping which makes this the cheapest option

Amazon.com - .01 cents with $3.99 shipping USED.  This is the best price if you want to purchase the book alone.  You can also purchased new for $13.94 for hardcover and $7.99 in paperback.

Click below to purchase this classic!!
                                                                   

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub by: Audrey Wood $3.59