Banish bathtime boredom by diving into this fact-filled exploration of the ways that ocean animals take baths underwater. It may be time to take a bath, but one little girl would rather dress up as a mermaid. Still, with the help of a few underwater friends, she discovers the strange and sudsy ways that sea creatures keep themselves clean. From rubbing themselves on anemones and pebbles to visiting a designated "cleaning station" where other animals clean off dead skin, readers will marvel at the myriad ways that sea creatures bathe. This informational fiction story is a playful introduction to navigating a major childhood milestone that also underscores the importance of maintaining cleaning habits. Filled with charming illustrations, humor, and an adorable cast of characters, this book is sure to become a bathtime, bedtime, and daytime favorite as well as a go-to for teachers and caregivers. Bonnie Kelso is an author and illustrator from Las Vegas, Nevada. Even though she lives in the desert, she is obsessed with the ocean and everything in it, except the pollution. Environmental conservation is very important to her and her stories often include subtle messaging. Her sweet, silly, and often sassy characters engage children so they don't even realize that they are learning stuff. Bonnie studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design. She is the Illustrator Coordinator for Nevada SCBWI and winner of the 2021 Karen Cushman Award. Her 2023 debut NUDI GILL: POISON POWERHOUSE OF THE SEA was chosen to represent the State of Nevada at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. It is the first informational fiction picture book all about nudibranchs (aka sea slugs). Other titles by Bonnie Kelso include WONDER OF THE WOODS, QUAIL TRAIL, and SEA SMILES-the first in a three book series, of which SLEEPY SEA is the second and SEA SUDS is the third. You can learn more about Bonnie and her work at www.BonnieKelso.com or follow her on Instagram @bonnie.kelso. She is represented by Liz Nealon @GreatDogLit. When a young girl decides it would be more fun to dress up as a mermaid than take a bath of her own, she dives into a fact-filled adventure highlighting strange and fascinating ways ocean animals take baths. From shedding exoskeletons and rubbing on pebbles to finding designated "cleaning stations", underwater creatures have developed remarkable ways of keeping themselves and their underwater homes clean. It's a playful introduction to navigating a major childhood milestone that also emphasizes the importance of establishing good hygiene habits!
