Clementine’s Bath

Clementine’s Bath written and illustrated by Annie White (New Frontier)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-92505-942-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Clementine, the loveable dog from Clementine’s Walk, is back. This time, the family want to give her a bath but Clementine doesn’t like baths, and anyway, she wants to keep the wonderful smell she just found and rolled around in. What follows is a funny romp through the house and garden as Clementine tries unsuccessfully to hide, a journey which is captured and recorded in a wonderful map at the end of the story.

Clementine’s Bath has an even rhyme which rolls off the tongue well and is easy – and a pleasure - to read aloud.

‘What a pong!’ sniffed Nana.

‘What a stink!’ gagged Dad.

‘Oh Clementine!’ James grumbled.

‘That smells really bad!’

The beautifully painted illustrations show Clementine and her family in a soft, warm, gentle light. I love mum in her gumboots as she prepares the dog bath, the cloud of smell which follows Clementine wherever she goes, and the inquisitive chooks who just want to be part of the action.

Dogs are well loved and Clementine’s Bath is a lovely story which young children will engage with and delight in. The humour, in both words and pictures, will be enjoyed by both children and adults alike and will fast become a favourite.