83. A Scrub in the Tub

83. A Scrub in the Tub. Jan Thomas. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, humor, 5 stars]

First sentence: Pee-ew! SOMEONE needs a scrub in the tub! 
Absolutely!
WHO needs a scrub in the tub?
YOU, Pig! YOU need a scrub in the tub!
Absolutely!
ME? I don't think I  need a scrub in the tub!

Premise/plot: PIG does not want a scrub in the tub. His friends disagree. If Pig wants to hang around with them, a scrub in the tub is not optional. Will Pig take a bath? Will he enjoy his bath?

My thoughts: It has been a while since I've read Jan Thomas' humorous picture books. These are the same beloved characters from earlier picture books. She is great at writing silly, humorous picture books and early readers for young readers. Her books often have again-again appeal. Definitely recommended for fans of Jan Thomas. And if this is your first Jan Thomas picture book, be sure to check out her earlier picture books!

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

My Friends Make Me Happy

My Friends Make Me Happy. Jan Thomas. 2018. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Hi, Sheep! Hi, Friends! Can you guess what makes me happy?

Premise/plot: Sheep has asked his friends to guess what makes him happy. The clue? It starts with the letter F. Will Donkey, Dog, and Duck be able to guess?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I probably enjoyed My Toothbrush is Missing a little bit more. But. This one is still super-fun and a great addition to the Giggle Gang series of early readers by Jan Thomas. I love this gang of friends--always have, always will. And whether they are starring in picture books or early readers, they make me smile.

I do think that the more familiar you are with the characters, the more you'll get out of it. For example, I'm thinking about the turnips reference.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

My Toothbrush is Missing

My Toothbrush is Missing. (The Giggle Gang #4) Jan Thomas. 2018. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: My toothbrush is missing!

Premise/plot: Dog's toothbrush is missing! Will his friends help him find it. First he may have to explain exactly what a toothbrush is to Donkey. Once he does, well, Donkey is SURE he's seen it.

My thoughts: I love, love, love Jan Thomas. I do. I think she's written some crazy-funny-zany books for young readers. Some I love and adore. Some I just "really like." This early reader is in her newest series. If you've ever read a Jan Thomas book and smiled, I recommend this one. And if you're new to her work, well, this is just as good a place to start as any! 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers