Baths can be fun least until others decide to crowd in. Ellie the elephant isn't happy, but readers will enjoy the silly antics as a crocodile, flamingo, tiger, and mouse dive in, splash, and interact with one another in frolicsome (and sometimes annoying!) ways. Everything about this book is child friendly e subject matter, the fun of a bath (no reluctance here), and the simple text that includes fun sounds that advance the story arc: eeek! BBRRR! aahh! Fans of Eric Carle's books will appreciate the attractive collage illustrations that give movement and life to the antics. Kids will also enjoy the opportunity to actively engage in creating the action of the story as the author invites readers to shake the pages, making it seem as though they have produced the waves on the next spread. (The participation is limited to the early pages and may cause some disappointment when the engagement doesn't continue throughout.) There are lots of animals to look at here, but it just might be the consistent presence of the yellow rubber ducky that charms most.

PreS Following in the interactive footsteps of Herv&3; Tullet's Press Here (Chronicle, 2011), this digitally illustrated story encourages readers to assist Ellie the elephant at bathtime. After readers tilt the book from side to side to create some waves, a cascade of creatures progressively invades the tub. When best efforts to shake them out fail, Ellie sucks all the water into her trunk. The chilled flamingo, tiger, alligator, and mouse move on, leaving the elephant to refill the tub and submerge with only her rubber duck for company. Large cartoon spreads use crayon texture and deftly convey the wave movement. VERDICT This visually splendid title should prove to be an engaging pre-bath read-aloud. Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA