Funny, with a sweet message about friendship

What could be funnier than finding a walrus in your bathtub? The story behind it...
Picture it...new town, new house, new...pet? A most unexpected find is discovered the moment they set foot in their new home and while it might sound intriguing, it's rather a mess! Think about it...all the splashing, slogging, clam deliveries, "singing"...why, there's never a moment's peace and quiet! So the mission is clear, get the walrus out of the bathtub...but what is he won't go and what if the REAL reason he's doing all these things is not to annoy, but to welcome? Hmm....kinda puts a new spin on things, huh.

It's a list makers adventure that reverses on itself midway through the tale, allowing readers to see the challenges of a walrus in their bathtub, but also the unexpected joys it can bring.


**copy received for review ( )

Moving into a new house can be great fun, unless you also movie into a house that has a walrus in the bathtub. Walruses sing loud and off key, have stinky clams everywhere, and keep the house relatively wet. Its either he goes or you go. Unless you can find common ground. This was a fun book, with funny illustrations. ( )

When the young narrator of this silly romp of a picture-book moves with his family into a new house, he discovers a massive walrus in the bathtub. Enumerating the many problems and inconveniences this causes, from soggy suppers to wet towels, he also lists the many steps his family takes to try to get rid of the pest. When nothing works, they decide to move out, leading to one very distressed walrus. It turns out he's been trying to make them feel welcome the whole time. Is it possible to adjust to life with a walrus...?

Pairing an amusing, madcap tale from American author Deborah Underwood with colorful, expressive artwork from British illustrator Matt Hunt, Walrus in the Bathtub is an entertaining picture-book, one which would make a good story-time selection. The list format that Underwood uses in her narrative reminded me a bit of Melanie Watt's Scaredy Squirrel books, and works quite well here. The unexpected ending is equal parts heartwarming and silly, and the artwork full of many fun details. Recommended to young children who enjoy silly stories, or to anyone looking for picture-books featuring the unlikely friendships that can develop, when you look at circumstances from a different perspective. ( )