The Big Bath House, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House, 2021. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"The water will flow
and the garden will grow
at the big bath house. 

The birds will be fed
and your clothes will be shed
at the big bath house. 

Note by note, the chimes will ring. 

Tune by tune, a voice will sing
at the big bath house."

In this heartwarming tale of family and community, a young girl and her mother are welcomed to her grandmother's house in Japan. Soon, the aunties will arrive to tell stories, and with purses full. It isn't long until the women head out together to the big bath house. Everyone is delighted to be together. They quickly disrobe, and are washed before entering the warmth of the big bath together. Female bodies may differ; all are part of this communal experience. 

"You'll all dip your bodies, 
your new sprouting, 
gangly bodies, 
your saggy, shapely, 
jiggly bodies, 
your cozy, creased, 
ancient bodies. 

Beautiful bodies." 

Once the bath is done, bodies are wrapped in the warmth of snuggly towels. While waiting for everyone to be ready for the walk back, sweet, shaved ice is slurped. Then, it's goodbye to the bath house and a walk out into the cool night air. It's a welcome chance to walk through the quiet streets, holding hands with grandma. What a truly memorable day it's been. 

The naked bodies are sure to cause concern for some readers. The warmth and sudsy happiness created for this celebration of all body types and Japanese culture are created in ink, gouache, and watercolor. Family joy, cultural understanding and positive body image are evident in every spread.  

An author's note explains that Kyo Maclear spent summer months in Japan at her grandmother's house. Her visits there were filled with love and many memories of Japanese culture. The two could not speak the other's language, but understanding was implicit. Both loved sweets and bathing. Ms. Maclear's visits showed her that there is no shame in seeing the naked body. Wouldn't it be something if that were true for our children and ourselves?