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A Whale of a Tale

A Whale in the Bathtub, by Kylie Westaway, illustrated by Tom Jellett; Clarion Books, $16.99, 32 pages, ages 3-6.

Little Bruno has cried wolf (or in this case, walrus), one time too many regarding bathtime impediments. But now, there really is something in the tub; a huge blue whale bathing in bubblegum-scented soap bubbles, and Bruno’s family won’t fall for his tall tales anymore. How’s a boy to get clean when a 100-ton kroll-crunching mammal is blocking your way? Bruno’s solution will charm young readers and perhaps spark a little creative thinking as well. Debut picture-book author Kylie Westaway deftly captures the child’s despair at not being believed, while fellow debutant Tom Jellett’s plucky, quirky illustrations have a distinct, slightly retro flair. Prepare for a whale of adventure on the soapy high seas.