The Big Bath House
Written by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Gracey Zhang
Published by Random House Studio
In this celebration of Japanese culture and family and naked bodies of all shapes and sizes, join a little girl—along with her aunties and grandmother—at a traditional bath house. Once there, the rituals leading up to the baths begin: hair washing, back scrubbing, and, finally, the wood barrel drumroll. Until, at last, it’s time, and they ease their bodies—their creased bodies, newly sprouting bodies, saggy, jiggly bodies—into the bath. Ahhhhhh!
With a lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations, this picture book is based on Kyo Maclear’s loving memories of childhood visits to Japan, and is an ode to the ties that bind generations of women together.
Primary ISBN: 9780593181959
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older
Community Represented: Japanese/Japanese American
Themes: Celebrations, Community Action, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Visiting Home Country
Setting: Japan
Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: Unknown
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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