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Tub People
The Tub People
During an unseen child's bath time, the seven members of a wooden toy family ride on the floating soap and compete in swimming races. But after the near loss of the Tub Child down the drain, they are all reunited on a warm bed, where they mountain climb on the ridges formed by soft quilts.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
4 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Richard Egielski
60Ìýbooks13ÌýfollowersRichard Egielski is an American illustrator and writer who has worked on more than fifty children's picture books, eight of which he authored. He received his education at Parson's School of Design.
Egielski's collaboration with Arthur Yorinks resulted in nine picture books, including Hey, Al, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1987. He is also known for his illustrations in The Tub People series by Pam Conrad.
The New York Times named Buz, a book he wrote and illustrated in 1995, one of the top ten best children's books of the year for its illustrations. Jazper, which he illustrated, was also recognized as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 1998.
Egielski's collaboration with Arthur Yorinks resulted in nine picture books, including Hey, Al, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1987. He is also known for his illustrations in The Tub People series by Pam Conrad.
The New York Times named Buz, a book he wrote and illustrated in 1995, one of the top ten best children's books of the year for its illustrations. Jazper, which he illustrated, was also recognized as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book in 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 24, 2010
Such a good one! I think every child is fascinated with the idea of their toys coming to life. This is one of those that leaves a lot to the readers' and listeners' imagination.
February 19, 2017
What is it about this quiet, quirky kids' story that makes me cry every time I read it?
September 22, 2023
The illustrations in this book had a pretty feel to them. It has an older vibe to it, that I don't know how to describe well. But I liked them.
The overall plot was alright. I felt there were a gap in the story. Such as,
I might be thinking to much into it though.
Overall this was a fine book to read (:
The overall plot was alright. I felt there were a gap in the story. Such as,
I might be thinking to much into it though.
Overall this was a fine book to read (:
February 2, 2015
I actually read this in The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury. The illustrations are cute and the story is sweet. Love prevails.
February 18, 2016
Perfect for kids who love bath time!!
August 23, 2020
My grandson and I need to know how the Tub Child got out of the toolbox. We thought we had skipped a page b/c this wasn’t explained.
November 4, 2009
I know this book was mentioned in our textbook, but I just didn't find this book very enticing. I tried to look at it from a young child's point of view, but just wasn't sure if they would find it interesting enough to suspend disbelief. Are the toys moving about and interacting with each other on their own or with the help of a child? I think there could have been more cleverness either way. If there had been less text and of a more basic level, then I would understand. But why devote that much text without more detail or cleverness?
I also wasn't sure about the idea of wooden bath people--usu. bath toys are plastic, at least in the U.S./ in my experience. Likewise the dad's clothes look like they are of a different era. If this was set in a time period other than the last 20 years--copywrite, I believe, is 1980s or 1990s--then there should be more clues towards this. Perhaps this book takes place in a different country or culture? (The dad's suit and hat just look like a very specific choice to me.)
I would love to know other people's experiences with this book. Has anyone used this with students or read it to their own children?
I also wasn't sure about the idea of wooden bath people--usu. bath toys are plastic, at least in the U.S./ in my experience. Likewise the dad's clothes look like they are of a different era. If this was set in a time period other than the last 20 years--copywrite, I believe, is 1980s or 1990s--then there should be more clues towards this. Perhaps this book takes place in a different country or culture? (The dad's suit and hat just look like a very specific choice to me.)
I would love to know other people's experiences with this book. Has anyone used this with students or read it to their own children?
July 24, 2019
I was sad that the tub child got lost in the drain. He went down a tube and stopped it and then a plumber came and got him out and put him a toolbox. I don't know why he did that. Why did he do that? Weird huh? I didn't like but I loved THE DOG!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2019
My favorite book as a child. Not for children already afraid of bathtime though haha.
September 30, 2019
The pictures are captivating.
October 15, 2019
One of my favorite books for children. Loss, grief and reconciliation.
December 3, 2020
Cleverly written from the perspective of the dolls, the humans are not included in the story except by reference. The little boy doll (with whom the child reader will identify) is the one imperiled in the text, and the author deftly shows the other dolls devastation with such subtle touches as "the washcloth made a lonely dripping sound as it hung from the faucet.� The whole text is suffused with the strong sense of the love the other dolls feel for the little boy doll, and that, combined with the comforting ending, should be reassuring to a child. Wonderful read.
February 12, 2022
What an interesting read. I remember having this read to me as a kid. Mostly the part where the tub child is stuck in the drain. I'm not entirely sure how to take in this story, but I suppose anyone who has toys like that might enjoy it, or children who take baths will be aware of not letting their toys down the drain?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2020
Lexile: 540L
DRA: 18
This is a very interesting book that introduces a set of unique characters. I really enjoyed the repetition and the ending, as it shows that being adaptable when changes occur is a good thing.
DRA: 18
This is a very interesting book that introduces a set of unique characters. I really enjoyed the repetition and the ending, as it shows that being adaptable when changes occur is a good thing.
June 24, 2021
In case you forgot that the line, “They called and called for their Tub Child. Of course, they knew exactly where their child had gone. But somehow they felt comforted by calling for him,� came from a picture book about bathtub toys.
August 7, 2023
What kid doesn't imagine their toys come to life and have adventures on their own when no one's looking? In this story, the child figurine has a mishap and gets stuck in the bathtub drain, necessitating a rescue. I enjoy the surrealism and gentle melancholy of the Tub People books.
March 13, 2024
#relatable.
Just like the situation in my life, when I was washed down the drain of a bathtub, I appreciate Richard Egielski’s understanding of human nature and humanity’s trials. The Tub People is a heartwarming, blood-curdling, gut-punching, knee-slapping read.
Just like the situation in my life, when I was washed down the drain of a bathtub, I appreciate Richard Egielski’s understanding of human nature and humanity’s trials. The Tub People is a heartwarming, blood-curdling, gut-punching, knee-slapping read.
March 12, 2018
Always a favorite with the kids at our house when they were little.
September 17, 2018
I loved this book! Such a good book for children!
December 17, 2020
This is another one that captured my imagination as child.
December 31, 2020
My younger daughter is obsessed with this book currently. Very cute and touching.
May 1, 2021
I liked reading about their little adventures in the tub and then later on the "mountain."
May 14, 2021
Adorable story, my granddaughter loved it!
July 26, 2021
Some ppl, kids and adults both, love this. More power to them. It just doesn't click for me. Maybe because I don't have enough imagination?
November 14, 2021
2021
Gift from Harper's grandmother
Gift from Harper's grandmother
December 11, 2021
What a great book
July 27, 2022
Jahz: I love the story because I also like to play bath games just like in the story and I also like the little wooden dog.
February 13, 2023
I think this book is okay, it's not super interesting and I don't know if it would captivate a child's attention well.
March 25, 2023
Seven wooden peg toys live pleasantly in and around the bathtub until one goes missing down the drain.
More adventures of this crew, please.
More adventures of this crew, please.
March 25, 2024
**Found in the 20th Century Children's Book Treasury**
I'm just confused at how they were reunited when the Tub Child was put into a toolbox...
I'm just confused at how they were reunited when the Tub Child was put into a toolbox...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
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