Review: The Messy Bath Monster by Tina Wilson

We loved Afloat in Venice here at Little Squirrel's Bookshelf! This was a fun and adventurous story about a toy monkey holidaying in Venice.

With the Covid shutdown (something we all want to forget) little Monkey was stranded at home so mum, Tina Wilson, decided an imaginative adventure in his own home would keep Monkey and his reader friends entertained.

Photography by Tina Wilson

Music by Matt Ottley

Knitting by Joan Wilson

Publisher: One Tentacle Publishing

Publication day: 1st October 2025

Series: Monkey's Great Adventures #2

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 36

RRP: $25.99AU (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the author

Monkey is sure there is a monster in the bathroom because it always makes a HUGE mess. One day he decides he must find this MESSY bath monster and dives deep into his bath water. What ensues is a delightful adventure as Monkey comes across some giant, and not so giant, sea creatures in his search for The Messy Bath Monster. Will he find out who is making all the mess?

The Messy Bath Monster not only features the amazing knitting talent of Tina's mother Joan Wilson but also has accompanying music by Matt Ottley, which can be downloaded by scanning the QR code in the book. Matt Ottley's music adds a unique element to this gorgeous children's picture book.

The wonderful array of hand knitted sea creatures combine with imaginative photographed scenes to offer an engaging and fun read-aloud story experience.

Big bright pages and limited text will keep even younger children engaged as when combined with the music the book is very much a sensory experience.

Reading The Messy Bath Monster along with its accompanying music invites children and their carers to slow down, engage and reflect on life's simple pleasures.

If you are a knitter, like me, you will love that pattern links to some of the knitted sea creatures are in the back of the book.

My rating 5 / 5 🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒

Recommended age: 2+

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