The Big Bath House

Kyo Maclear is the author of some of our most cherished picture books. She has the ability to weave a story whether is fiction, inspired by her own life, or non-fiction. In her new book The Big Bath House illustrated by Gracey Zhang is inspired by her yearly trips to Japan to visit her extended family and their trips to the Bath House.

I think in North America we have this idea about a bath house which is less than flattering. When in actuality, they are an important place of community in some countries. Throughout the story readers understand the love and community experienced at the bath house. The acceptance is what stands out. At the bath house, you see bodies of every shape and size: young and old, thin and fat, short and tall. This story is a beautiful way of showing that all bodies are beautiful. The whole story is a meditation, a reflection of love. Readers will feel wrapped in the warmth of family, community and the steam of the bath.

Kyo Maclear creates a refrain running through the whole story, lyrically guiding the readers from Bachaan’s house to the bath house and back again. The repeating lines, “at the bath house. The big bath house.” is an honouring of the intimacy and community at the bath house.

Gracey Zhang’s illustrations are lively and bold, featuring bold dark lines and expressive faces. All of the beautiful naked bodies at the bath house are on full display, destigmatizing bodies and showing readers that all bodies are beautiful.